Herman Boerhaave, Dutch botanist , humanist and physician

December 31st is the birthday of Herman Boerhaave (1668-1738) who initiated clinical teaching and the modern academic hospital. He earned his doctorate in philosophy at the University of Leiden with a dissertation attacking the doctrines of Epicurus, Thomas Hobbes and Spinoza. He then earned his medical degree at Harderwijk and was appointed Professor of Botany and Medicine at the University of Leiden.

He published numerous articles describing many new species of plants and made numerous additions to the Botanical Garden at Leiden.

His reputation was such that all the princes of Europe sent him students because he was an indefatigable teacher. Peter the Great took lessons from Boerhaave when he came to study maritime affairs.

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Know your herbs: Ginseng

Panax Ginseng

Ginseng root from China thought to resemble a human being

Medicinal Uses: Ginseng is a slow-growing perennial plant with fleshy roots that is grown in eastern Asia mostly northern China, Korea and eastern Siberia. In much of Asia, ginseng is thought to be a revitalizer for the whole body. Besides promoting appetite, the herb is also useful in digestive problems. In its fluid form, mixed with the flavoring of your choice, it helps to cure coughs, colds and chest aches. Ginseng is also effective for lung troubles and inflammation of the urinary tract.

Ginseng is also known as an adaptogen, which means it increases the body's resistance to stress, fatigue and anxiety. It also builds energy.

There are two common kinds of ginseng: Panax ginseng, also known as Asian, Korean or Chinese ginseng and Panax quinquefolius, also called American, Canadian, or North American ginseng.

Folklore: Ginseng is thought to be a cure-all (Panax comes from the Greek word meaning 'all' and akos 'cure) because its roots are shaped like a human and it is considered one of life's necessities. It has been taken by millions of Chinese for thousands of years. Traditional Chinese Medicine recommends it for restoring deficient qi ( Ch'i or vital energy); the latter is needed to create the balance so that the body can heal itself.

Be sure to consult your physician before taking.

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Know your Herbs: Dandelion

Historical Medicinal Uses: Dandelion is used in conditions requiring a mild diuretic (increasing urine excretion), such as liver disorders, high blood pressure and poor digestion; the latter includes upset stomach conditions of flatulance, the sensation of gut fullness and constipation. Specifically the root of the dandelion is thought to have laxative effects. Studies have indicated that it also improves liver and gallbladder function; it is thought that the herb improves the health and function of natural bacteria in the digestive system. It is also an appetite stimulant.
Dandelion is a rich source of Vitamins A, C, D and B complex It also contains such minerals as iron,magnesium potassium and zinc.



Other names include Lion's Tooth, Priest's Crown, Swine's Snout

Folklore: Native Americans used a fluid derivative to treat swelling, skin problems, kidney disease, heartburn and upset stomach. In Chinese medicine the herb is used to treat digestive disorders, appendicitis and breast problems such as inflammation or lack of milk flow.

Always, consult your medical practitioner before using.

The Flu Pandemic of 1918: March 1918-June 1920

Trolley conductor in Seattle refusing boarding to those

without masks during Flu Epidemic of 1918

Like the current swine flu scare, the 1918 flu epedemic, also called the Spanish Flu, was caused by a deadly strain of the H1N1 virus. It is called a pandemic because it spread to nearly every part of the world (including the arctic area) infecting about 600 million people However, it is estimated that about 50-100 million people were killed which was about 3% of the world's population.(The world was peopled by 1.6 Billion at the time) It is the most deadly pestilence in human history; in contrast World War I took 15 million lives.

The strain was highly unusual as it struck primarily young adults and otherwise healty adults because in its mode of attack, the virus overwhelmed the strong immune systems of these people; those with stronger immune systems would presumably have a greater overreation.

There were two waves; the first, from March through August 1918 acted like the typical flu, striking down the weak, the elderly and sick. But, then the virus mutated to a more deadly form spreading rapidly throughout France, The United States and Sierra Leone. It rapidly spread to the battlefields of Europe, the trenches and then spread to the cities by army personnel on the move. It is surmised that soldiers were particularly susceptible due to malnourishment, stresses of combat and the chemical warfare.

In the U.S about 28% of the population suffered and about 600,000 people died.

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Know your Herbs: Bloodroot (Red Paint Root)

Historical Medicinal Uses: Native Americans and American Colonists have used bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) to treat syphilic troubles, skin cancers, sore throats, and skin conditions such as ringworm, warts, polyps and fungal growths. An extract has been used in toothpaste to combat plaque and gingivitis. In small doses, bloodroot has been used to stimulate the digestive tract, the heart and as an emetic.

Bloodroot is also known as bloodwort, red puccoon root, and sometimes pauson.

Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis)

Folklore: The juice of the root was used by Native Americans as a war and ritual body paint and to prepare a yellow orange colored dye for fabrics. It has also been used as a charm. In the Ponca tribe, young men would rub the juice on the palm of their hand and attempt to shake hands with the maiden they wished to marry.

Canada puccoon
by Sydenham Edwards
The Botanical Magazine (1791)

Warnings: The FDA considers Bloodroot "unsafe" as it is a known escharotic (a substance that kills skin cells) and urges it not be used by herbal healers. Self medication should be avoided as the plant can be toxic.

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Know your Herbs: Uva Ursi or Bearberries

Medicinal Uses : It is commonly believed that the herb is effective in strengthening heart muscle and the urinary tract, returning the womb to normal size after childbirth and in controlling urinary incontinence.

Uva Ursi or Bearberries

History and Folklore : In the 13th Century, Marco Polo said that the herb was already being used by the Chinese to control kidney and urinary problems. It was mixed with tobacco and used by Native Americans in religious ceremonies. In addition to controlling problems of the urinary tract, Native Americans also used it to treat back sprains, venereal diseases, prevent obesity; in a powdered form, the leaves were also applied to sores.

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
Common Bearberry
from Thomé Flora von Deutschland
Österreich und der Schweiz 1885

It is recommended that you consult your family physician before self-medicating.

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Heart Disease

The big five risk factors that can increase heart disease are smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and certain types of cholesterol. Dr. Neil Raff MD posits that low levels of Vitamin D, high levels of homocysteine, inflammation and heavy metals also need to be evaluated.


We invite you to come meet with us, at no charge, to discuss your health concerns and goals. Our practitioners and you will be more certain as to the appropriateness of developing a practitioner-patient partnership. Call us at (914) 241-7030 for a 15 minute complimentary consultation.

Stomach Acid

After discussing the benefits of stomach acids, Dr. Neil Raff MD urges the limited use of acid suppressants such as the purple pill and the use of alternative natural remedies that can protect the GI tract even better.

Boost Your Immune System . . .

Since viruses have the ability to multiply every 30-40 minutes, the taking of supplements in a timely fashion is very important. Neil Raff MD discusses many various supplements ranging from propolis and selenium to elderberry extract and colloidal silver in this important video.

Feeling Good . . .

When our body is out of sync, we don't feel good and feeling good is the bottom line of our health.

In this video, Neil Raff MD suggests that not feeling good could be a sign of early diabetes, hormone imbalance, high blood pressure, vitamin deficiency or simply stress.

Toxic Heavy Metals Can Suppress Your Immune System

Are you at greater risk for H1N1 because of what you eat or where you live?

An individual’s immune system can be suppressed due to the presence of toxic heavy metals. Heavy metal toxicity has been identified as a local issue by Advanced Medicine of Mt. Kisco. According to the Westchester Department of Health, Advanced Medicine of Mt. Kisco has uncovered more individuals with elevated toxic metals (mercury, lead, antimony, arsenic) than any other medical office in Westchester County.

“This is a red flag for individuals living in Westchester County” says Dr. Neil Raff, Medical Director of Advanced Medicine of Mt. Kisco. A depressed immune system can leave an individual more prone to infections including all types of flu.

Equally important, this condition makes individuals less responsive to vaccines, further aggravating their vulnerability. Other symptoms of heavy metal toxicity include fatigue, gastrointestinal upset, hormone imbalance, unusual weight gain, and headaches. Metal toxicity cannot be diagnosed by routine testing. Routine blood tests will not diagnose early toxicity until it has reached significant levels, because metals tend to reside in fatty tissue not blood.

Due to increased pollution on our planet even people living healthy lives can develop heavy metal toxicity. In fact, it was uncovered in New York City that random samples of tuna used for sushi were off the charts in mercury levels, and should not have been consumed by individuals. “We have to accept the fact that heavy metals are in our environment and that some people are more prone to accumulating them in their bodies” states Dr. Raff. Other causes of heavy metals include certain fish, contaminated ground water, amalgam fillings and mercury used in the processing of high fructose corn syrup, lead paint, treated wood and even some cosmetics.

When an individual is diagnosed with heavy metal toxicity, chelation is the FDA approved treatment program. EDTA is a special substance that binds heavy metals and removes them via the kidneys. In addition to chelation, specific antioxidants are prescribed to minimize tissue damage which has already occurred from the metal exposure.

The duration of the treatment depends on the degree of contamination and the patients underlying health status.

We invite you to come meet with us, at no charge, to discuss your health concerns and goals. Our practitioners and you will be more certain as to the appropriateness of developing a practitioner-patient partnership. Call us at (914) 241-7030 for a 15 minute complimentary consultation.

Testosterone and You

Are you concerned about osteoporosis, fatigue and decreasing strength and stamina?

As you reach your 60's and 70's, both men and women, yes--women and men-- both need testosterone to stay healthy and alert.

In this video from his You Tube Channel, Neil Raff MD, explains the importance of this vital hormone.

We invite you to come meet with us, at no charge, to discuss your health concerns and goals. Our practitioners and you will be more certain as to the appropriateness of developing a practitioner-patient partnership. Call us at (914) 241-7030 for a 15 minute complimentary consultation.

More Tips on Avoiding the Flu.....

Are you at greater risk for H1N1 because of what you eat or where you live?

An individual’s immune system can be suppressed due to the presence of toxic heavy metals. Heavy metal toxicity has been identified as a local issue by Advanced Medicine of Mt. Kisco. According to the Westchester Department of Health, Advanced Medicine of Mt. Kisco has uncovered more individuals with elevated toxic metals (mercury, lead, antimony, arsenic) than any other medical office in Westchester County.

“This is a red flag for individuals living in Westchester County,” says Dr. Neil Raff, Medical Director of Advanced Medicine of Mt. Kisco. A depressed immune system can leave an individual more prone to infections including all types of flu.

Equally important, this condition makes individuals less responsive to vaccines, further aggravating their vulnerability. Other symptoms of heavy metal toxicity include fatigue, gastrointestinal upset, hormone imbalance, unusual weight gain, and headaches. Metal toxicity cannot be diagnosed by routine testing. Routine blood tests will not diagnose early toxicity until it has reached significant levels, because metals tend to reside in fatty tissue not blood.

Due to increased pollution on our planet even people living healthy lives can develop heavy metal toxicity. In fact, it was uncovered in New York City that random samples of tuna used for sushi were off the charts in mercury levels, and should not have been consumed by individuals. “We have to accept the fact that heavy metals are in our environment and that some people are more prone to accumulating them in their bodies,” states Dr. Raff. Other causes of heavy metals include certain fish, contaminated ground water, amalgam fillings and mercury used in the processing of high fructose corn syrup, lead paint, treated wood and even some cosmetics.

When an individual is diagnosed with heavy metal toxicity, chelation is the FDA approved treatment program. EDTA is a special substance that binds heavy metals and removes them via the kidneys. In addition to chelation, specific antioxidants are prescribed to minimize tissue damage which has already occurred from the metal exposure.

The duration of the treatment depends on the degree of contamination and the patient's underlying health status.

Viruses and Your Immune System

The purpose of anti-viral vaccines is to stimulate our body's own immune system to produce all the normal natural, anti-viral material capable of our bodies.

To do so, we need a healthy immune system and without this, vaccines and antibiotics are almost useless.

See Dr. Raff's video blog on Boost Your Immune System.

At each visit to Advanced Medicine of Mt. Kisco, Dr. Raff follows through on his mantra: Taking time to listen to the patient is the most important diagnostic test there is. He does this by providing a very thorough intake that helps him look at your whole body system and how it is interacting.

We invite you to come meet with us, at no charge, to discuss your health concerns and goals. Our practitioners and you will be more certain as to the appropriateness of developing a practitioner-patient partnership. Call us at (914) 241-7030 for a 15 minute complimentary consultation.

Swine Flu Epidemic: The best defense is a strong immune system

The best defense against any infection is a strong immune system.

Why are most of the deaths in Mexico? I suspect that those “healthy” people who died had depressed immunity, due to the pollution and heavy metal contamination in that area.

How can you protect yourself?

My recent research shows that heavy metals and toxins:
a) depress the immune system
b) cause hormone imbalances
c) promotes unnatural weight gain

If you call my office, I will be glad to advise you on specific supplements to improve your immune system and viral resistance, as well as new tests to evaluate your toxic and heavy metal load.

Office hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday,

Regards,

Neil C Raff, MD

Advanced Medicine of Mt. Kisco
37 Moore Avenue, Mt. Kisco, NY 10549

914-241-7030
www.advancedmedicineofmtkisco.com

Nutrition and Food Absorption . . .

In this short video, Dr. Raff discusses the primary role that proper absorption of food plays in nutrition. Thus, no matter how good your nutrition, no matter how healthy your diet,if it's not absorbed, you won't get the benefit.


This office has been doing this type of nutrional testing for many years with impressive results. For more information and a free consultation, please call us at (914) 241-7030.

Depression . . .

We are entering the Holiday Season. It is also the depression season and the poor economy will make it worse. Feeling blue and down, for brief periods of time is normal. When these feelings are there most of the time, or bad enough to effect our work and personal life, then that person has some degree of depression.

A sense of loneliness or personal failure is typical. This cloud hangs over millions of people and most are ashamed to talk about it. Instead they suffer from poor sleep, weight gain or loss of appetite and lack of interest in life. This condition affects almost 20 million Americans and yet it can be successfully treated.

Depression is usually due to an imbalance of chemicals in our brain. They are called neurotransmitters, sending the signals from one cell to another. There are many different types, some to keep things calm, others to stimulate and excite. They have names like serotonin, norepinephrine and GABA. Depression can respond to medicines called antidepressants. But sometimes, because of nutritional deficiencies, the brain cannot produce enough of these substances and the medicines are much less effective. This is quite common.

A proper in-depth nutritional evaluation of the patient and replacement of the deficiencies can result in a tremendous and natural improvement in brain function, relieving many of the symptoms of depression.

This office has been doing this type of testing for many years with impressive results. For more information and a free consultation, please call us at (914) 241-7030.

Sound Mind, Sound Body . . .

Psychosomatic Medicine (PSM) vs. "All Your Tests Are Normal"

PSM is training and awareness that what goes on in your brain effects your body and vice versa. Emotional issues cause dysfunction and disease, disease and dysfunction leads to emotional problems. This idea goes back to ancient Greece, where the expression, Sound mind, Sound body originated.

This basic mind-body connection has been lost in today's health care system. MRI's and CT scans, even of the brain, show nothing of the emotional status and psychiatrists-psychologists rarely go below the neck.

I was fortunate to have several years training with a founder of The Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine. What I learned and use everyday is how to listen to the patient as a person:

1. Hearing what they say as well as what they don't say,
2. Understanding that all symptoms have emotional components.

I am not saying they are not real. They are very real, very intense and are associated with problems like peptic ulcers, irregular heart beats, high blood pressure, even heart attacks.

Underlying stress, anxiety or depression contributes to all physical symptoms. What is worse, the patient gets checked out and is told that all tests are normal. This makes it sound as though the symptoms are not real or legitimate.

Can this type of situation be treated? Of course it can, but it takes experience and special tests to understand the delicate mind-body connection. Once this is achieved, proper treatment is readily available, restoring the patient to good health.

- Dr. Neil Raff, MD

At each visit to Advanced Medicine of Mt. Kisco, Dr. Raff follows through on his mantra: Taking time to listen to the patient is the most important diagnostic test there is. He does this by providing a very thorough intake that helps him look at your whole body system and how it is interacting.

We invite you to come meet with us, at no charge, to discuss your health concerns and goals. Our practitioners and you will be more certain as to the appropriateness of developing a practitioner-patient partnership. Call us at (914) 241-7030 for a 15 minute complimentary consultation.

A few thoughts on the flu . . .

Some guidelines I hope you will find helpful about the Annual Flu shot and H1N1, Swine Flu shot.

Annual Flu shot:

1. For healthy people under 60, it's a matter of convenience - getting the shot and a small chance of an allergic type of reaction, vs. 4-5 days in bed with the flu.
2. For those over 60, or having chronic lung and heart problems, the flu could be more serious. However, this group generally has a diminished immune system and often does not get full protection from the vaccine. It is very important to get added protection from the right combination of antiviral supplements.
3. For healthy people over 60, the annual flu shot is up to you, but definitely do the supplement plus program. It will give you added protection no matter what you decide.

Swine Flu, H1N1 - The same rules apply, except:

1. In spite of the world-wide scare, H1N1 has not seriously harmed many people in this country. It may be just another infrequent variation on the annual flu.
2. In the past, some Swine Flu shots were associated with Guillain-Barre Syndrome, a serious paralyzing neurological condition. The British Government has just warned their neurologists to be on alert for them. To me, this raises serious concerns about the safety of the vaccine which is being rushed into production. Personally, I am going to do my anti-viral supplements and wash my hands regularly.

Vitamins - What To Take - A Guide

Vitamins are molecules that control and regulate many of the biochemical proteins in our body. Most of them were discovered in the 1920's - 40's. Here are some guidelines.

1. As we get older, our absorption decreases and so vitamins and supplements become more important.


2. We can only absorb so many vitamins at one time. Taking large amounts of one type can block the absorption of another.


3. Food allergies, colitis, ileitus and mobility disorders all interfere with vitamin absorption. So does decreased stomach acid or the regular use of stomach acid suppressant pills.


4. Certain drugs block absorption of certain nutrients. Statin drugs (such as Lipitor) interfere with absorption of CoQ10. Check with the pharmacy or doctor.


5. Prolonged use of antibiotics kills off beneficial gut bacteria which produce some natural nutrients. Probiotics are very important.


6. The RDA - The recommended daily allowance is an average figure. It does not take into account your individual needs of absorption.


7. I don't like the A-Z multivitamins. Too little of what you really need, too much of what you don't need.


8. It is easy to manufacture inexpensive and inferior forms of most vitamins. Beware of the bargains.


9. There are many tests to determine your vitamin needs and absorption. You don't have to guess or waste money.


10. Vitamins should come from food. Unfortunately our foods are overly processed, preserved, contain additives for freshness (if its old, spoiled or preserved, I want to know about it). So who is going to eat 3lbs. of brocolli and drink a gallon of OJ daily? - That's why we need supplements.

Our YouTube Channel . . .

We have been busy at Advanced Medicine of Mt. Kisco, P.C. and are happy to announce our YouTube Channel! This is the first posting from Dr. Neil Raff.


See more on our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/neilraffmd

A few words from Dr. Raff . . .

Since the Almighty created man to be imperfect, even the ten commandments have a little wiggle room for interpretation. Not so, certain Federal health mandates! Last week's New York Times carried the story of an unfortunate woman, speechless because of ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), who received an $8000 computer which could speak for her. What was denied was a superior, easier phone and notebook PC. The total cost would have been about $450. Her denial for this inexpensive alternative was based upon the potential use of this equipment being used for non-medical functions!

We all are disgusted at this waste and poor judgment. The real problem is why simple common sense is not utilized. Why is this so? Is this because they are safe if they don't stray out of the regulation solution?

President Obama, please make the following executive order! If anything works just as well or better, it's OK, even if it doesn't comply with Federal Regulations or can be used for other purposes. Federal employees not complying with this will have 1/2 the cost difference that could have been saved , but was not, deducted from their pay!

Future topics . . .

At Advanced Medicine of Mt. Kisco, we strive to ensure that we make a difference in your health and quality of life. To this end, we invite you to come meet with us, at no charge, to discuss your health concerns and goals. Our practitioners and you will be more certain as to the appropriateness of developing a practitioner-patient partnership. Look for additional information on the following topics in the near future.

1. Probiotics - Probiotics are the replacement of the beneficial bacteria and yeast in our intestinal tract which are important for our health and immune system. Recent information is that 60% of all antibiotic production in the United States goes for animal feed. This creates a vast amount of resistant bacteria in our food supply making the use of probiotics even more essential.


2. Chelation - Chelation is a process developed over 50 years ago and FDA approved in which certain material such as EDTA are taken into the body in order to attach themselves to heavy metals. This complex is then excreted through the kidneys and is the approved process by which heavy metals are removed from the body. A very similar form of chelation has been used for many years in order to remove certain metals and substances associated with arteriosclerosis, reversing or slowing down this process.


3. Heavy metal toxicity - All health agencies agree that the planet is becoming increasingly polluted with all types of toxic material especially heavy metals, lead, mercury, arsenic, tin, etc. The presence of heavy metals in the human body affects hormone regulation, reduces the effectiveness of the immune system, and because it is often stored in fat tissue tends to promote abnormal weight gain.
   


4. Detoxification - This is the process by which the body constantly removes waste and toxic material. This is done by our kidneys, our liver, our lungs, and even our skin. The process by which this is done in regard to heavy metals is not understood. Certain people who are exposed to heavy metal are unable to eliminate them from the body in a normal fashion and therefore they accumulate in elevated and toxic levels over a period of time. Many forms of treatment are available including certain nutrients and chelation.


5. Prolotherapy - Injecting tendons and joint with certain substances that promotes a controlled inflammation leads to increased blood flow and accelerates healing and repair of these areas. The result is decreased pain, increased joint mobility. This treatment can be done with a certain sugar solution, or more recently using ozone in which it is called Prolozone therapy and finally the most recent form is called platelet-rich plasma which uses the patient’s own blood factors in order to create a very rapid and effective local healing.


6. Ozone - Ozone is activated oxygen or O3. It is generated with special equipment using very high voltage electricity and this reactive form of oxygen will destroy all forms of life including all bacteria, viruses, fungus, mold, et cetera. In very high doses, it is used for the commercial sterilization of food production areas since it leaves no toxic residue. With proper use and dosage in humans it stimulates the immune system, has been found valuable in treatment of hepatitis C and possibly HIV, and has been shown beneficial in certain bacterial infections. Hydrogen peroxide is another variation on ozone therapy.


7. Celiac disease and gluten sensitivity - Celiac disease has been long recognized as a severe sensitivity to certain grain proteins-gliadin. Although generally recognized in its severe form which causes abdominal cramps, bloating, and diarrhea, it is also present in a milder form, often undiagnosed which causes increased inflammation leading to rashes, malabsorption, vitamin deficiencies, aggravation of other inflammatory conditions, and neurological problems. Aside from proper diet, replacement of deficient nutrients is an important part of the treatment.


8. Stomach acid production - The stomach produces hydrochloric acid as well as digestive enzymes which work most efficiently in the presence of acid. Acid production generally declines in individuals over 60 and a large number of people over 65 do not produce enough acid for normal digestion of their foods and absorption of the nutrients. Low acid production may cause no symptoms or those of dyspepsia and unfortunately these are often treated with acid-reducing drugs such as Nexium and Prilosec which actually aggravate the situation. A gastric analysis test has been available for the last 50 years which actually measures the amount of stomach acid produced and although generally overlooked and not done in most offices, is available in this office. Low stomach acid along with the use of acid blockers often allows bacteria, mold, and fungus on our foods to enter into our small intestine where they cause a variety of symptoms often called irritable bowel syndrome.

For more information and a free consultation, please call us at (914) 241-7030.

Health Care and The Days of Judgment . . .

Many religions have some form of confession, repentance and a day of judgment. All of us however face a day of judgment every time we submit a health insurance claim! Will they say yes or no? Can I have the treatment or not? Did they pay or deny?

Most of us accept and pray to some supreme singular entity, beyond our comprehension, who makes judgments about our lives. Will the year be peaceful or troubled? Will we be successful or fail? Will we live or die?

But what or who is this mysterious and nameless entity that makes our health insurance decisions? It cannot be doctors - there are not enough to make the thousands of daily decisions. Nurses? How qualified are they to judge the subtleties of proper care of someone they never met? Administrators or government employees? Are they calling the shots (pun intended)? This system has a wonderful backup, in case you appeal or complain. That is the underwriter, another mysterious entity who usually decides that you are not entitled to almost anything, because 1) The treatments are not deemed "necessary", or 2) They are not approved treatments.

This nation is facing a health care crisis primarily for one reason. The people who best know the patient and can best decide the most effective and economical care - The DOCTORS - are being removed from the equation. Everyday there are more rules, regulations, restrictions, pre-existing circumstances and limitations to deal with.

It is no longer what the patient needs, but what the system will allow. It is no longer what I, the doctor, knows is best for the patient, but what the system calls the acceptable "standard care". If the doctor strays beyond the normal routine path, there is a whole flock of lawyers ready to pounce. Thus that extra CT scan or ECG, or blood test is always in order and indeed ordered, adding staggering 20-25% to our total annual health care cost.

Under the system that I trained, the doctor and the patient worked effectively, efficiently and economically.

Our present health system is a mess, but I oppose the vague and complex near 1000 page program. I don't want another nameless, faceless, self-omnipotent entity controlling my life.

I have only one God and I would like to keep it that way.

Neil Raff, MD

Some thoughts on Health Care . . .

WhenI graduated med school, there were two decision makers in health care - the patient and the doctor. Today there are one to two major or two minor - the two minor decision makers are the patient and the doctor; the two major are the insurance and drug companies, who decide the medications available and what gets paid.

The key concept is - who makes the decisions? Every patient, every situation is different. No, I don't start a 90 year old man on a lipitor because of recently elevated cholesterol if his health is otherwise ok. No I don't start an obese diabetic on insulin without careful education about diet. Yes, I do advise a 35 year old person to have a routine ekg if he or she has never had one before; it's a valuable baseline and may pick up undetected problems.

The point is - these are all independent judgment calls for the benefit of the patient. This system of doctor- patient relationships worked well and cost effectively for many years. Given the increasing burdens of medicare denials and rules and the confusion of reading your health care policy, will a 1,000 page confusing and conflicted set of rules really improve health care? The present system has real problems. Let's not make it worse.

Kudos to Michael Pollan . . .

Bravo to Michael Pollan on his September 10, 2009 New York Times article, Big Food vs Big Insurance.

As a young boy shopping with my mother I found out that certain foods were "out of season". No more. January or July, the dazzling colors of the veggies and fruit at the supermarket are unchanged. It seems that food is no longer grown in this country, but "manufactured".

In addition to endorsing Michael Pollan's article, here are a few additional thoughts:

• According to Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, 60% of all antibiotics produced in this country end up in animal feed! Consistent use of antibiotics in this way kills off many weaker bacteria, but leaving a few of the resistant forms to multiply. This means not only increasing the chances of food poisoning from improperly processed chicken, meat, etc., but that the infecting bacteria will be more resilient to antibiotic treatment, i.e. you will have a much more serious, or life threatening infection.
• Aside from the sugar in sodas which add to obesity, all cola drinks are highly acidic. If consumed in large amounts, 3-5 cans a day, they dissolve calcium in our bones and add to osteoporosis. Don’t believe me? Take a small clean chicken wing bone, put it in half glass of cola drink. Next all dissolved! Gone! We have the highest consumption of cola (diet or regular) in the world and the highest incidence of osteoporosis.
• High fructose corn syrup – a cheap sweetener, stimulates high insulin levels in the human body, essentially creating an artificial form of type 2 diabetes, even if you are not genetically predisposed!

Some thoughts on solutions:

• a) If you have speeding tickets or DWI’s your auto insurance goes sky high because you are a greater risk. Since money talks and baloney walks, how about a simple required annual exam, measuring height, weight, body mass index, blood sugar, tobacco and other drug residues, etc. The better you care for yourself, the lower your premium, just like auto insurance. This should apply to all forms of health care, and it is a good incentive for taking care of yourself.
• b) Health insurance companies should also provide life insurance! The longer they keep you alive, the longer they delay paying the big bucks. Suddenly their incentive is to keep you healthy and alive, not hope for a quick and inexpensive death.
• c) Substance abuse is the term for both drug users and excess alcohol consumption. Perhaps obesity should be added to that list, since it involves the excess or intemperate use of substances leading to disease or premature death.

Neil Raff,
doctor, patient, payer of insurance premiums and consumer of food
* New York Times Article Big Food vs. Insurance by Michael Pollan

The Best Health Possible . . .

The Best Health Possible Through Advanced Medicine of Mt. Kisco . . .

The human body has a great ability to heal and repair, fight infections, expel toxins and reduce aging and deterioration. This depends on a proper supply of vitamins, minerals and a balanced nutrition. Disease and dysfunction occur when these essential factors are not in proper balance, making the body more vulnerable.

Our goal is to evaluate the nutritional balances in your body 1) to be sure they meet your health needs, and 2) to correct any deficiencies that are affecting your health and well being. We emphasize optimal nutrition, in order to achieve proper hormone balance, detoxification, support of your immune systems and reductions in cardiac and cancer risk.

We specialize in:

• Intestinal Health - malabsorption, inflammation and allergies not only causes symptoms in the GI tract, but affect the absorption of nutrition for all our systems. We use gastric acid analysis and autonomic nervous system testing as part of our advanced non-invasive testing for all GI conditions.
• Pain Control - most of the joint pain is caused by tendon and ligament weakness (laxity) and can be effectively treated by prolotherapy, including the use of ozone and PRP, a new and very effective form of treatment.
• And providing the best combination of natural, nutritional and holistic medical care.

At each visit to Advanced Medicine of Mt. Kisco, Dr. Raff follows through on his mantra: Taking time to listen to the patient is the most important diagnostic test there is. He does this by providing a very thorough intake that helps him look at your whole body system and how it is interacting.

We invite you to come meet with us, at no charge, to discuss your health concerns and goals. Our practitioners and you will be more certain as to the appropriateness of developing a practitioner-patient partnership. Call us at (914) 241-7030 for a 15 minute complimentary consultation.

A few words on PRP . . .

What is Platelet Rich Plasma?

Platelet Rich Plasma, or PRP is blood plasma with concentrated platelets. The concentrated platelets found in PRP contain huge reservoirs of bioactive proteins, including growth factors that are vital to initiate and accelerate tissue repair and regeneration. These bioactive proteins initiate connective tissue healing: bone, tendon and ligament regeneration and repair, promote development of new blood vessels and stimulate the wound healing process.

How does PRP Therapy work?

To prepare PRP, a small amount of blood is taken from the patient. The blood is then placed in a centrifuge. The centifuge spins and automatically produces the PRP. The entire process takes less than 15 minutes and increases the concentration of platelets and growth factors up to 500%. When PRP is injected into the damaged area it stimulates the tendon or ligament, causing mild inflammation that triggers the healing cascade. As a result new collagen begins to shrink causing the tightening and strengthening of the tendons or ligaments of the damaged area.

What are the potential benefits?

Patients can see a significant improvement in symptoms. This may eliminate the need for more aggressive treatments such as long term medication or surgery as well as a remarkable return of function.

Our office strives to ensure that we make a difference in your health and quality of life. To this end, we invite you to come meet with us, at no charge, to discuss your health concerns and goals. Our practitioners and you will be more certain as to the appropriateness of developing a practitioner-patient partnership. Call us at (914) 241-7030 for a 15 minute complimentary consultation.

Hepatitis A-B-C . . .

Hepatitis is a viral infection of the liver. It is spread by close contact – kissing, sharing eating utensils, using the same glass or toothbrush.

Hepatitis A is the mildest form, with a rapid onset of fatigue, nausea and even jaundice. Complete bed rest for three to five weeks is the standard treatment which cures the condition.

Hepatitis B is spread by blood contact, i.e. contaminated needles and contaminated blood transfusion; it usually occurs in IV drug users.

Hepatitis C is the most widespread form throughout the world, especially Asia. Contaminated food and septic systems are additional causes of spread.

Often the patient is unaware that he has been infected since the virus may remain dormant in a person for years. Abnormal liver tests are the first signs of infection.

Treatment in this country consists of Interferon and Ribavirin. Both are somewhat effective, but have severe side effects. However, Japan, the country with the most experience in treatment, has developed many natural protocols some of which appear to be more effective than their American counterparts

The biggest mistake with hepatitis is waiting too long to start treatment. The sicker the patient, the less likelihood of a good recovery.

For more information and a free consultation, please call us at (914) 241-7030.

The ABC's of Heavy Metal Toxicity, Detox and Chelation . . .

Heavy Metal Toxicity, Detox and Chelation

1. Heavy metal toxicity-all health agencies agree that the planet is becoming increasingly polluted with all types of toxic material especially heavy metals (lead, mercury, arsenic, tin et cetera). Heavy metals in the human body affects hormone regulation, reduces the effectiveness of the immune system, creates increased inflammation especially in muscles and joints, and tends to promote abnormal weight gain. The treatment is a specific program of detoxification based upon the patient’s symptoms, kidney function and concentration of metals. Over a period of several months all the symptoms associated with this condition can be reversed and cleared up.
2. Detoxification-this is the process by which the body constantly removes waste and toxic material. This is done by our kidneys, liver, lungs, and even our skin. This process eliminates natural waste products residues of drugs such as antibiotics, as well as food additives. Heavy metals which are poisonous enter our body through the air, water, and food. Some are eliminated but some are stored in our body where they can accumulate to toxic levels over a period of time. There are many programs of detoxification using combinations of specific nutrients, diets, as well as various types of chelating agents. Our office specializes in these programs specific for the individual needs.
3. Chelation-Do I need it and how is it done? Chelation is a treatment developed over 50 years ago and FDA approved for the removal of certain heavy metals from the body. Generally given IV they attract and attach themselves to these heavy metals and are then excreted through the kidneys. Whether your body has an excess burden of heavy metals can be determined by several tests including blood tests and a chelated urine test. As done in our office, this is the most effective way of determining deeply embedded heavy metals. The benefits of such treatment are an improved immune system, decreased inflammation of muscles and joints, improved hormone regulation and better weight management. A similar form of chelation has been used for many years to treat arteriosclerosis or hardening of the arteries.

We invite you to come meet with us, at no charge, to discuss your health concerns and goals. Our practitioners and you will be more certain as to the appropriateness of developing a practitioner-patient partnership. Call us at (914) 241-7030 for a 15 minute complimentary consultation.

A note from Dr. Raff . . .

HEALTH, ILLNESS, AND WHAT ADVANCED MEDICINE IS ALL ABOUT

The human body is the best pharmacy in the world. It produces antibiotics, tranquilizers, digestive enzymes, diuretics, blood pressure pills, pain relievers, and just about everything any drug company can make, only much better since there are no side effects or allergies. In order to do this complex job, our body like any drug company needs a variety of basic materials to work with. This is provided by the food that we absorb, the oxygen in the air we breathe, the water that we drink, and exposure to outside physical forces such as sunshine, gravity, and radiation. The control booth of this amazing factory is our genes, which contains the DNA the blueprint of every function in our body.

Like any manufacturing process, anything that interferes with the proper supply and balance of raw materials will affect how well our bodies can function (grow, heal, repair, fight off infection, reproduce, etc.) and this lack of adequate materials leads to dysfunction and eventually tissue disease.

My approach to the best of health is in three steps:

1. Diagnosis – My aim is to diagnose the problem and the defects in their early, more treatable stages. Since nutrition plays a key role in maintaining good health, we look in detail at these areas. Inadequate nutrition can result from poor diet, malabsorption, unusual metabolic needs, and the malfunction of various digestive processes, and toxins, just to name a few. The degree of inadequate nutrition is extremely important. Most doctors do nothing until the patient suffers an obvious deficiency state. I prefer to test, diagnose and treat before the disease state is reached. No, I am not happy if my six cylinder car is running on four cylinders, even if the mechanic says it is OK. I don’t want OK, or normal, whatever that is. I want the best health possible for myself and my patients.
2. Nutritional Treatment - The more you can narrow down the cause of the dysfunction, the easier it is to treat. Unfortunately, many diseases and dysfunctions are so complex and indirect that it is important to think in terms of allergy, inflammation, autoimmunity, hormone imbalance, stress, and autonomic dysregulation in order to develop an appropriate treatment program. Since every function in the body affects every other function to some degree, the concept of a "specialist" often results in a limited thinking as far as the patient’s total health. This is where experience and judgment comes in because every person is unique and no two cases are ever identical. You must treat the person and not the disease.
3. Traditional medical treatment - Unfortunately, there are many situations in which our body is so severely damaged that it is unable to heal itself even with the appropriate nutrition. For over 100 years, doctors have been searching for other ways to supplement their herbal remedies. This has evolved into the pharmaceutical industry, which can provide valuable treatments in specific areas where nutrition itself is not adequate. Using natural and effective treatments instead of drugs is where good clinical judgment comes in My goal is to treat the person, and not the illness.

In summary, good medical care starts with a proper evaluation of the patient’s condition; it then attempts to bolster and enhance the body’s natural healing, and finally uses pharmaceuticals only when more natural remedies are unable to do the job by themselves.

For more information email: info@neilraffmd.com
or call us at (914) 241-7030

We would love to join you on your path to better health.

Swine flu . . .

The dangers of the swine flu (SF), like all infections, depends on two factors:

1. The strength or virulence of the infecting bug and
2. The effectiveness of our body’s defenses, i.e. the immune system

The interplay between these two factors determine whether we stay well, get sick, recover, or die.

We cannot affect the strength or infectiousness of the bug, but we can do a great deal about our own defenses.

1. Make sure we are receiving and absorbing the optimum nutrition needed to stay in tiptop condition. Deficiencies in vitamin C, zinc and vitamin D are especially important and should be monitored.
2. Avoid antibiotics and prednisone unless absolutely necessary
3. Get extra rest and sleep, avoid exercise, exertions or fatigue
4. Test, treat and remove those pollutants and contaminants that depress our immune system. Remember this all started when a number of “young healthy Mexicans” died of SF. Well, I don’t think they were healthy at all. They were poor people living in a much polluted part of the world. Heavy metals such as lead, mercury, antimony and chemicals are known to severely depress the immune system. They therefore died of an infection that truly healthy people would have easily fought off.

In my practice, I test for the presence of heavy metals in patients with autoimmune disease, chronic inflammation, recurrent infection and Alzheimer’s disease. The results are often positive.

A note about vaccines: They are “watered down” or inactive forms of the bacteria or virus in question and their job is to stimulate our immune system to become more resilient without actually causing the disease. There is a hitch involved in that vaccines sometimes do not work and may even wind up infecting the patient with the disease. If your immune system is healthy to begin with, you will get good protection from the vaccine. If your immune system is down however, you are more prone to infection. And, ironically, administration of the vaccine, which is supposed to protect you, will increase the likelihood of your getting that very disease.

We invite you to come meet with us, at no charge, to discuss your health concerns and goals. Our practitioners and you will be more certain as to the appropriateness of developing a practitioner-patient partnership. Call us at (914) 241-7030 for a 15 minute complimentary consultation.

More on Prolotherapy . . .

Our muscles attach to bone with fibrous tissue called tendons or ligaments, which also holds our joints together. Because they act as support tissue, they have minimal blood supply, which is why they look white. When injured this minimal blood supply results in either slow healing or scarring.

The body’s first step in any healing process is to increase the blood flow to the affected area, bringing in O² and nutritional healing factors. The better the blood flow, the quicker and more complete the healing and repair process. This is called inflammation.

Prolotherapy is an old technique to increase blood flow to injured joints, tendons and ligaments. It involves injecting a sugar type solution into the injury site, which promotes a controlled and beneficial inflammation. The result is decreased pain, increased mobility and strengthening of the injured tissue. Two to six treatments are usually needed, depending on the degree of injury. In certain cases ozone, an activated form of oxygen is used because it produces a better response. This is called prolozone.

The most recent prolotherapy is called Platelet Rich Plasma which uses the patient’s own blood platelets effecting a more rapid and complete healing. This treatment was highlighted on the front page of the New York Times when a key player on the Pittsburgh Steelers considered "out for the season" received PRP and starred in the Superbowl four weeks later.

Because prolotherapy strengthens and repairs injured tissue, it often makes surgery unnecessary. Cortisone shots, on the other hand, provide very temporary relief of pain and swelling, but used repeatedly will actually weaken the underlying tissue. Oral anti-inflammatory drugs – Advil, Motrin are associated with intestinal upset and GI bleeding. There are no side effects with any form of prolotherapy.

For more information and a free consultation, please call us at (914) 241-7030.

A bit more info . . .

Our Diagnostic Programs Include . . .

1. Autonomic Nervous System - testing that part of the nervous system that controls all internal organ functions.
2. Gastric Acid Analysis - Many digestive and acid problems are actually caused by lack of adequate gastric acid, which is accurately measured by this test.
3. Arterial Stiffness Testing - developed by the Mayo Clinic to measure hardening of the arteries.
4. Body Composition - the key to understanding your percent body fat and metabolic needs, in order to create the most effective weight loss program that goes beyond dieting.

Frequently Asked Questions . . .

1. Can I take too many vitamins? Yes, too much of one vitamin can block absorption of another! Like any medication, you should only be taking the right amounts of the proper combinations.
2. My doctor said my blood tests are normal. What does that mean? "Normal" is within an average range and means that you are not terribly sick.
3. What do blood tests cover? They only tell a small part of your health story, and are a poor measure of inflammation, immune function, digestion and stress. Certain nutritional tests give a more accurate picture of factors affecting your health and causing symptoms.
4. I eat a very healthy diet. Should I worry? Your body uses what it absorbs, not what you eat. No, don't worry, but do get a medical nutritional check up to be sure your diet and absorption are providing you with all the nutrients your body needs.
5. I have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Can you help? Yes, definitely. Gas, bloating and cramps are some of the most common GI symptoms. Bacterial overgrowth, inflammation and autonomic nerve regulation are often overlooked. Since we test these and other related issues, we can often relieve the uncomfortable symptoms and treat the root causes.

We invite you to come meet with us, at no charge, to discuss your health concerns and goals. Our practitioners and you will be more certain as to the appropriateness of developing a practitioner-patient partnership. Call us at (914) 241-7030 for a 15 minute complimentary consultation.

Prolotherapy - Prolozone - PRP . . .

Prolotherapy is a non-surgical treatment to strengthen and repair injured ligaments, tendons and supportive tissue of the entire muscular skeletal system.

Prolo (short for proliferation) uses a dextrose solution, which is injected into the injured area (knee, back, elbow, etc.). This causes a controlled local inflammation in these weak areas which increases blood supply and flow of nutrients, stimulating local tissue repair.

In certain cases ozone, a reactive form of oxygen, is more effective than dextrose, more recently PRP has been used in more severe cases with dramatic results.

The outcome of this treatment is:

• Decreased local pain
• Better mobility
• Tissue repair

often eliminating the need for surgery.

The number of treatments depends on the severity of the problem and can range from 1 to 6.

For more information and a free consultation, please call us at (914) 241-7030.

Chelation . . .

Chelation is the FDA-approved method to remove heavy metals (lead, mercury, arsenic, antimony) from the human body. EDTA is a substance developed and approved for this purpose over 50 years ago. It bonds to these metals and then is removed from the body through the kidneys. Most heavy metals tend to be stored in fat and nervous tissue. With chelation, they slowly migrate back into the blood where they are trapped and removed. Therefore, the most effective chelator must be in the blood stream. This occurs when it is given by IV (intravenous).

Oral chelators generally stay in the GI tract. They work best to block metals from food and drink from entering the body. Since only a small fraction of the oral chelator gets absorbed into the bloodstream, they are less effective in removing metals.

A typical chelation program will consist of four to five once-a-week chelations and then a nutritional IV. This is necessary to replace the small amount of beneficial minerals that are also removed. Periodic blood and urine testing is done to determine the progress made.

Once the toxic levels of metals have been removed to "normal" (the real normal is 0), it is advised that you have a monthly chelation for the next four to six months to remove any residual metals that are left and prevent further accumulations of metals in the future.

Specific nutrients will be prescribed to repair the damage from the heavy metals. Each chelation program is individualized for the patient's personal needs and will vary from one patient to another.

For more information and a free consultation, please call us at (914) 241-7030.

A note from Dr. Raff's office . . .

Your job is good, your significant other loves you, and you are not sick. But, you are not right either. For months now, on and off, you are dragging, no energy, even too tired to do the good stuff. A little more achy, more sleep, but of poor quality, you are just not functioning like your normal self.

The medical doc says that all the blood tests are normal, that the endocrine referral guy says that the thyroid and sugar tests are normal. The rheumatologist says that you do not have Lupus, and cannot find evidence for Fibromyalgia (for which there is no test, and therefore he really does not believe it exists anyway), and finally the infectious disease specialist tells you that you are HIV and Lyme negative, but slightly positive for Epstein Barr, but do not worry, that does not really mean anything anyway! Two pints of blood and one lost week of work later, your medical doc thinks you may be depressed, and offers you a trial of Prozac, or a referral to the shrink.

You do the next logical thing, and buy a three month supply of super energizer, revitalizer vitamins, guaranteed to wake up your muscles, mind and sex life. Three weeks and $39.95 later, no change, except for abdominal cramps and increased gas. Your significant other is thinking about going away on vacation, anywhere. You would like to take a vacation from yourself also!

The scenario and the many variations, the headaches, dry skin, constipation, palpitations, short temper, urinary frequency, fatigue, etc., etc., are all too common today and emphasizes how the health care of today can do a fantastic job of treating serious and life threatening diseases, replacing broken and dying organs, imaging the most hidden parts of our body and finding things that need treatment and sometimes finding things they are not sure what to do with.Unfortunately, " I just don't feel well" does not have a diagnostic code number and requires more time and listening expertise than your friendly but rushed HMO doc has to offer. You have now become a bit of a thorn in the side of organized health care! Sound Familiar?

We understand. Our office strives to ensure that we make a difference in your health and quality of life. To this end, we invite you to come meet with us, at no charge, to discuss your health concerns and goals. Our practitioners and you will be more certain as to the appropriateness of developing a practitioner-patient partnership. Call us at (914) 241-7030 for a 15 minute complimentary consultation.

Heavy Metals as Environmental Toxins . . .

As the environment becomes increasingly polluted, the accumulation of toxic metals (lead, mercury, arsenic, antimony) in our bodies is a rapidly increasing health concern. Trace amounts are found in the air, water, food supply (especially certain fish), dental amalgams, treated woods, tobacco and plastics. They can gradually and progressively accumulate in our bodies, in spite of a healthy lifestyle and proper nutrition.

Fatigue, hormone imbalance, poor healing, inflammation (muscles, joints, gut and brain), excessive and unusual weight gain, brain fog, and immune suppression are some of the symptoms of this insidious condition.

Although heavy metal poisoning is a recognized health problem, with insurance code numbers, few doctors consider this possibility and even fewer know how to test properly. Advanced Medicine of Mount Kisco is the leading medical office in Westchester, New York (USA) to diagnose and treat all forms of heavy metal toxicity. Please call our office at (914) 241- 7030 for further information as to how this condition could relate to your health.

Our Programs Include . . .

Here at Advanced Medicine of Mt. Kisco, P.C. we have special programs that focus on individual needs. These include:

• Nutritional Treatment & Support of Medical Conditions: Heart disease, colitis, arthritis, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel, and many others are caused by inflammation. While drugs often cover up symptoms, nutrition therapy can accelerate repair and heal the underlying damage.
• Detoxification Programs: We combine herbs, nutritionals, ozone, oral and IV Chelation for your specific needs to detox your system of unhealthy chemical and minerals including mercury and lead.
• Hormone Replacement and Balancing: Hormones are regulators, and interact with one another. It is important to evaluate the entire system, not just one or two hormones.
• Immune System Boost: Herbals, IV therapies, ozone and intestinal immune modulation are part of our support programs.
• Cancer Support: Providing specific nutrition to support your non-malignant cells, minimizing side effects of chemo and radiation.
• Colloidal Silver: A newly found use of an old established treatment for infection and inflammation.
• Ozone Therapy, Hydrogen Peroxide Therapy: Treats chronic infections and depressed immunity.
• Hepatitis C: Nutrition, ozone and high dose Vitamin C can be as effective as interferon, without the side effects.
• Specific Nutritional Counseling: for any condition at any age including diabetes, food allergies, celiac sprue, IBS, sports performance and children's nutrition.
• Active Wellness Program: This is a total packaged program to combine lifestyle counseling with the above programs to help you achieve your goals - weight loss, improve vitality, boost immunity and reduce stress and risk of illness.

A 15 minute complimentary consultation

Our office strives to ensure that we make a difference in your health and quality of life. To this end, we invite you to come meet with us, at no charge, to discuss your health concerns and goals. Our practitioners and you will be more certain as to the appropriateness of developing a practitioner-patient partnership.

For more information email: info@neilraffmd.com
or call us at (914) 241-7030

We would love to join you on your path to better health.

A note from Dr. Raff . . .

My goal is to give you the best health possible through integrated medicine. The human body has a great ability to heal and repair, fight infection, expel toxins, and reduce aging. This ability depends on a proper supply of vitamins, minerals, and a balanced nutrition. Disease and dysfunction occur when these essential factors are not in proper balance.

By combining the best of alternative medicine, holistic principles with internal medicine, I have been able to treat and improve many conditions not responding to traditional medical therapy. In this way, patients can achieve a better level of wellbeing. - Neil C. Raff, M.D.

The guiding principles which set our office apart are:

1. I take care of people, not patients. Taking the time to listen to all of your health concerns is my top priority.
2. I do specialized testing - nutritional, autonomic, hormonal - that best fits your problems. I also review and use any outside testing that has been performed.
3. All results are explained and put into one or more treatment programs for you to consider. These may include diet modification, specific supplements, IV of IM nutrition, detoxification, ozone and other programs.
4. I treat with nutrition first, then medicine/drugs if necessary.
5. My office provides realistic solutions for treatment and lifestyle. We also provide realistic solutions for illness, as well as disease of lifestyle.

For additional info email: neil@neilraffmd.com

Celiac Disease...

Celiac disease is caused by an intestinal allergy to a protein-gliadin found in four grains - rye, barley, oats, and especially wheat. It is commonly referred to as a gluten allergy. In its most severe form - celiac disease, the patient suffers from cramps, bloating, and diarrhea after eating gluten- containing foods. This inflammation can be seen on both x-ray and endoscopy. The only treatment is avoiding gluten -containing foods which are not so easy, because gluten is a popular additive and thickener used in the food industry.

Although most doctors do not recognize anything but the full blown celiac disease, to the contrary, scientific studies in my office show that many people who are sensitive to gluten will have other symptoms such as rashes, unexplained neurological symptoms, dermatitis and arthritis. Because gluten causes an allergic inflammatory reaction in the small bowel, this can reduce the absorption of many other nutrients leading to certain types of nutritional and vitamin deficiencies. Gluten sensitivity is therefore a “GI allergy” which can cause symptoms in distant organs due to nutritional deficiencies. Various types of blood tests are available for diagnoses, some of which are more reliable than others; it is estimated that it generally takes over five years of doctor visits before this diagnosis is made. The proper treatment for gluten sensitivity is not only avoiding the offending grain, but also replacing the deficient nutrients.

Probiotics . . .

There is a whole world of “bugs” living in our intestinal tract. These “bugs” consist of bacteria, mold, and fungi. Medical science is just beginning to understand their importance for our health. More than just breaking down unabsorbable food into waste, their active growth leaves no room for foreign bacteria to take up residence, such as C. diff. Like any tight-knit community they do not like foreigners invading their turf. It is also estimated that our immune system, most of which is in our GI tract, develops and is maintained because of a constant contact with the intestinal bacteria which have their own genetic and immune system. This “communication” between these immune systems is important and its breakdown has been linked to such diseases as Crohn’s disease. Bacteria also produce a wide variety of organic substances which helps maintain the health of our GI tract. Many of the nutrients we absorb are byproducts of this bacterial growth.

The word probiotic refers to a wide variety of these bugs such as lactobacillus which live in a mutually beneficial relationship with us.

What makes one brand of probiotics better than another?

• 1. Proper balance of the many different varieties of bacteria.
• 2. Bacteria that are harvested when they are young adolescents and not “senior citizens”.

When to take probiotics?

• 1. Traveling to a country where dysentery or traveler’s diarrhea is likely.
• 2. After extensive course of antibiotics.
• 3. Anybody suffering from inflammatory bowel disease.
• 4. After surgery on the GI tract.
• 5. With the excessive use of antibiotics in all animal feed, it is probably best that we include a good probiotic in our daily supplements.

IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)

IBS is the most common GI condition diagnosed in this country. Unfortunately, it is used when no specific illness such as ulcerative colitis, etcetera can be found. It is frustrating for the doctors who have no specific treatment and especially for the patient who cannot find any explanation for the condition nor any reliable treatment. Cramps, bloating, constipation, and/or diarrhea are blamed on emotional-psychological factors. Who would not have increased stress and upset when faced with symptoms that disrupt a normal life and social enjoyment.

The truth is there are many underlying and often missed diagnosed factors leading to IBS:

• 1. Food allergy and sensitivity - includes lactose intolerance and gluten sensitivity. Blood tests are not very reliable and the patient may be sensitive to food thickeners and additives whose presence they are not aware of.
• 2. Pancreatic insufficiency - the pancreatic gland hidden at the back of the abdomen makes many vital digestive enzymes. Measuring its function is difficult and is usually not done.
• 3. Achlorhydria – big word meaning stomach does not make enough acid for proper digestion. Measuring the stomach acid production is a very important and easy test which is not commonly done.
• 4. Bacterial overgrowth - beneficial bacteria in the lower intestine are vital for our health and well being. For various reasons, bacteria can sometimes migrate to the upper intestinal tract where they grow rapidly creating gas, inflammation, and cramps. This is a new concept and will prove very beneficial in the treatment of IBS.
• 5. Autonomic nervous system - this is the silent part of our nervous system that controls our internal organs. It controls the peristalsis (muscular contractions) and enzyme production along this disassembly line as food is broken down. If it is not functioning in a coordinated fashion, yes you guess it, cramps, bloating, gas, and diarrhea can result. This nervous system in turn is very sensitive to the adequate levels of various vitamins and minerals, and again there are tests to determine how effective it is performing.

These five areas give you an idea of how much can be done for IBD in the right hands.

Malabsorption . . .

The old expression that you are what you eat is not true. You are what you absorb, a big difference. As a GI specialist, I was trained that malabsorption (a condition in which the body absorbs only a small portion of the ingested food) was a rare condition causing severe symptoms. In recent years I have observed this not to be true. Malabsorption or decreased absorption is quite common. It affects all ages but especially those over 65. There are often no specific GI symptoms, but the patient suffers from fatigue, muscle pain, headache, dizziness, and many other symptoms as a result of the nutritional deficiencies. Vitamin D is a great example of this. Originally thought to be important only in childhood bone growth, my office recognized its role in myalgia (muscle pain) and bone health over five years ago.

This year vitamin D deficiency is a hot popular medical topic especially in relation to cancer and heart disease. Older folks also suffer decreased absorption of many nutrients due to the ageing of gut, but also (1) the increased use of NSAIDS, causing stomach inflammation and (2) increased use of acid blockers which decrease the stomach acid production which in turn decreases the effectiveness of the digestive enzymes. This type of decreased absorption can occur even in those on a healthy diet and taking supplements. The increased incidence of Alzheimer has been clearly linked to nutritional deficiencies in the elderly and certainly relates to the malabsorption, in this age group.

Eating healthily is important. It does not, however, guarantee that the person is getting all of the optimum nutrition their body requires. Only specific nutritional testing can determine this.