Holistic Medicine Blog

Are GMO Foods Safe? What you dont know may hurt you.

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 01:40:37 GMT

What are GMO foods, what are the problems with them, and is there evidence that these crops produce disease?

Breast Cancer Prevention Diet

Tue, 24 May 2011 12:25:36 GMT

What if delicious eating can save your life? A breast cancer prevention diet is easier than you might think.

Holistic Health Teleclasses

Sun, 22 May 2011 21:27:20 GMT

Our Holistic Health Teleclasses are offered on a variety of health and wellness subjects and are open to anyone interested.

On a cancer prevention diet? You can be.

Thu, 19 May 2011 11:56:51 GMT

A cancer prevention diet is within your grasp, and powerful enough to prevent one in three cancer cases. Dr. Pendergrast can show you that for cancer prevention, food is a critical choice.

ADHD and Pesticides

Tue, 03 May 2011 01:54:04 GMT

ADHD and pesticides have been in the news a lot lately and for good reason.

Olive leaf capsules, safe and effective for blood pressure and cholesterol

Sun, 03 Apr 2011 22:11:49 GMT

Did you know that olive leaf capsules have been proved scientifically to reduce high blood pressure and cholesterol? A safe ancient remedy with modern proof.

Media Page

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 12:42:13 GMT

Keep up with Dr. Robert Pendergrast as he appears on the radio, on television, and in print on the Media Page.

Womens health issues: go with natural holistic medicine for your own safety

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 07:07:29 GMT

Do you trust womens health issues to the care of big corporations? Learn about holistic medicine from a trusted source.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (Winter Depression)

Sun, 27 Feb 2011 21:21:44 GMT

If you are lucky enough to live in the southern US, winter depression is likely to last a shorter period of time than for those in northern states. But Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can be disabling for people anywhere who are affected by seasonal changes in light. If you are still suffering from depressed mood at the end of winter, here are a couple of ideas for relief. First, a quick definition. There is a set of typical symptoms that tend to repeat themselves every fall and winter. It includes: slumping energy and concentration in the afternoons, weight gain from increased appetite, excess daytime sleepiness, irritability and sadness, social withdrawal, and a general slowing of body movements. If this sounds like your winter pattern, read on. The most effective natural treatments for winter depression (SAD)are light therapy and exercise. There are so many other health benefits of exercise, it always tops my recommendations. At the least, take long walks during daylight hours if possible. Light therapy is also simple, and has been shown in multiple scientific studies to be effective against SAD. It requires the use of a Light Box, preferably one which puts out 10,000 Lux. These are available commercially, and may cost from $90 to over $250. Sitting a few feet away from the light box for 30 minutes, preferably in the morning, is the most effective use. If symptoms are severe to the point of failing to meet work or social obligations, or any obsessive thoughts of death or suicide, it is important to seek professional help, and I urge you to contact your own physician right away. And always remember that food affects mood as well... take a look through the pages on this website for reliable information on delicious and healthy eating! To your health, Robert Pendergrast, M.D.

Calcium and Heart Disease

Mon, 21 Feb 2011 03:22:32 GMT

How are calcium and heart disease linked? Before taking supplements, here is up to date information for your safety.

Consider a Hops Supplement When Looking for Herbs for Stress

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 14:21:09 GMT

Did you know that a hops supplement can calm anxiety, improve digestion, and is a natural sleep aid? Find out at Holistic Medicine MD.

Holistic Health Videos

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 14:16:18 GMT

Holistic health videos features Dr. Robert Pendergrast as he delivers lectures at the Medical College of Georgia for their MiniMed Program.

Holistic Health Testimonials

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 14:15:02 GMT

Holistic health testimonials tell the real story of how effective a natural approach can be.

Holistic Books

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 14:13:57 GMT

A collection of recommended holistic books.

Facts about insomnia: what's that sleepless night costing you?

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 14:02:47 GMT

Get the facts about insomnia, it's only scary if you don't know...

The benefits of licorice root: adrenal support and more.

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 13:59:55 GMT

Get the benefits of licorice root without worry. Holistic Medicine MD explains which conditions benefit and how to avoid the side effects.

The benefits of echinacea: stops a cold if used correctly; and real cautions

Mon, 10 Jan 2011 19:12:54 GMT

Wondering about the benefits of echinacea? It works for colds, let me tell you how; and my list of patients who should never take this herbal medication.

Three Steps for Preventing Breast Cancer: #3

Tue, 19 Oct 2010 00:50:10 GMT

We are now ready for the third of the three most important principles for breast cancer prevention. In addition to the healing foods for preventing breast cancer described on these pages and in the Real Foods That Heal archives, these three strategies alone would be sufficient to prevent tens of thousands of cases in American women yearly. Here is number three: Limit or avoid alcohol use. Does this mean you can never drink? No, but it does mean it's my responsibility to let you know the science of this risk, then it will be up to you to decide. And the science says this: any amount of alcohol consumed by women increases risk of breast cancer; no lower completely safe limit exists. For comparison, here are some relative numbers. A woman who has 5 drinks per week increases risk of breast cancer by 5. A woman who habitually has two drinks a day increases risk of breast cancer by 40. Translate? At baseline, 13 women out of 100 will get breast cancer. Out of 100 women who have 2 drinks a day, 18 will get breast cancer (because 18 is 40 more than 13). With that in mind, if you do not already consume alcohol, there is no reason to start. If you enjoy moderate drinking occasionally, your increase in risk is so minimal as to be no concern for most. If you are at the point of some alcohol use daily, it seems wise to consider the relative risk you are adding, especially if you have other risk factors. Risk factors such as overweight, lack of exercise, and lack of protection from the cancer preventing foods detailed in these pages. Clear? Information is power. Consider yourself powerful now! to your health and healing, Robert Pendergrast, MD

Three Steps for Preventing Breast Cancer: #2

Mon, 18 Oct 2010 03:26:07 GMT

Yesterday I introduced the first of the three most important strategies for preventing breast cancer, in addition to the foods for preventing breast cancer described on these pages and in the Real Foods That Heal archives. That was keeping a healthy body weight. Here is the second: Stay physically active throughout life. Multiple studies have shown that women who get regular physical activity reduce risk of breast cancer. One reason is that it helps with body weight, but even overweight women who exercise decrease cancer risk. And remember, regular physical activity benefits multiple health factors all at once. From heart disease to bone health to mental health and better sleep, there's not a prescription I could write for you with as many benefits. If you have not been in the habit of regular exercise, start simple and slow, give yourself the chance to succeed at something small first. And regardless of whatever else you do, take a 30 minute walk daily; you'll be able to maintain that habit no matter where you are, well into old age, and it gets you out in nature and reduces stress at the same time. Stay tuned for number three, coming soon. to your health and healing, Robert Pendergrast, MD

Three Steps for Preventing Breast Cancer: #1

Sun, 17 Oct 2010 00:37:28 GMT

In addition to the foods for preventing breast cancer described on these pages and in the Real Foods That Heal archives, there are three very important steps women can take. In fact, the science on breast cancer prevention is stronger for these three than any single lifestyle factor. Here is the first: Keep a healthy weight throughout life. While the evidence on excess body weight as a breast cancer risk is specific to post-menopausal breast cancer, it only makes sense to keep a healthy weight early in life as well; especially since many women find that weight control is more difficult after menopause. Who would want to start that time of life with an uphill battle already? And here is my single most important advice for weight control: Keep added sugar and refined flour at minimal level in the diet, and stay physically active. Sugar is the biggest culprit in making Americans overweight. And please don't substitute artificial sweeteners, who knows what they might do? Use small amounts of agave nectar when you do need a sweetener, and not very often. Stay tuned for number two, coming soon. to your health and healing, Robert Pendergrast, MD

Preventing Breast Cancer: You Can Take Action to Reduce Your Risk

Tue, 28 Sep 2010 04:29:11 GMT

Here are powerful tools for preventing breast cancer, scientifically supported real prevention from foods and daily life

Can you help this Friday, October 1st?

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 02:52:28 GMT

In case you are not a subscriber to Real Foods That Heal, you may not know of our mission to prevent 73,000 breast cancer cases per year. Most women simply don't know that 38 of breast cancer cases could be prevented by lifestyle and food choices. Can you help me turn that around? I am aiming for 10,000 books sold on Amazon in one day, to get as many copies of Breast Cancer: Reduce Your Risk with Foods You Love into the hands of women as possible, and to create a buzz that will change the conversation from hoping for a cure to prevention is the best cure. America's most trusted doctor, Andrew Weil MD, says this about my book: If all women were to follow this guide to optimum breast health, it would mark a turning point in the war on breast cancer, from treatment to primary prevention. I will recommend this book to patients, colleagues, and friends. Bookmark the Amazon page, click to purchase on Friday October 1st, and tell your friends this can be a really important day. Let's change the future together. Thanks. Robert Pendergrast, MD

Childhood insomnia: Comforting Solutions for the Family

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:58:25 GMT

If you are about at the end of your rope because of childhood insomnia, here's help.

The Benefits of Ginger: one of the safest medicinal herbs with medical research

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 22:41:09 GMT

A holistic doctor shares the health benefits of ginger, and you will be impressed at how many body systems will thank you for this natural remedy

Asian Ginseng lives up to its reputation

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 22:40:07 GMT

Asian Ginseng, one of the best herbal medications for low energy: Find out more at Holistic Medicine MD.

How does American Ginseng Differ?

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 22:35:52 GMT

American Ginseng is a great multipurpose herbal medication, but not right for everyone. Is it for you? Find out at Holistic Medicine MD.

Adrenal Fatigue, causes and natural cures

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 22:34:45 GMT

Exhausted? Stressed? Relieve adrenal fatigue without dangerous hormone supplements.

Life Saving Nutrition Information; Healthy Diet from Holistic MD

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 02:04:18 GMT

Eating healthy should never be boring! This nutrition information brings medical science and good taste to the table. Enjoy!

Why choose organic produce?

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 02:55:05 GMT

Given the added expense, is it really worth buying organic produce? I have been confident for some time the answer is yes, but I heard some news this week that solidified that answer. If you like strawberries (who doesn't?), you need to know about chemicals used in their production, especially in California, where most US strawberries are grown. In recent years, conventionally grown strawberries have been consistently among the most pesticide contaminated produce items. And it may get worse soon, as California is planning to allow the use of a soil fumigant called methyl iodide. This chemical can cause miscarriages, cancer, and is a neurotoxin with the potential for brain damage. And in the same week, I reviewed an article in a pediatric journal which concluded that the more organophosphate insecticides a child is exposed to, the more likely they are to show symptoms of ADHD. These insecticides are found on conventionally grown produce, and also commonly used in household and garden insect killers. The facts are inescapable. We are poisoning ourselves and our children. The cost of organic is well worth it, when you eliminate just the worst items. Check the list of the "Dirty Dozen" from the Environmental Working Group to know which conventionally grown produce items to definitely avoid. to your health and safety, Robert Pendergrast, MD

Good for the Heart,
Good for the Brain

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 04:01:44 GMT

If you missed part 1 of our Teleclass tonight, here are a few short notes from our class on Protecting the Aging Brain.
Degenerative brain diseases like Alzheimer's disease and Parksinson's have common roots in inflammation and the presence of free radicals (reactive oxygen species). Science gives solid support to the use of an anti-inflammatory diet and to antioxidants (both from food and supplements) in making these diseases less likely. Omega 3 oils, especially DHA, are a great ally in prevention of brain disease. And when you think of all the things that are good for your heart (stay at a healthy weight, don't smoke, keep your blood pressure normal, control your cholesterol), those same factors protect against the development of dementia. So perhaps the simplest way to summarize it is "What's good for the heart is good for the brain."
Part 2 of the class is next Tuesday June 8 at 9:00 pm, and if you can't attend by phone, you can still purchase the MP3 recording for downloading. To your health and healing, Robert Pendergrast, MD

The Value of Clinical Hypnosis

Wed, 19 May 2010 01:36:34 GMT

This is an inspiring story which reminds me of how much I learn from my patients, and how the courage and faith of a child is so much a part of healing. A boy came to see me in my clinic today, let's call him T for privacy. T is not yet a teenager, and he is fortunate enough to be 6 years out from surviving acute leukemia. But what a fight that was, and he continues to suffer the consequences of the battle. He has dealt with chemotherapy, pain, nausea, unusual fractures where his bones should not have broken, surgeries, and most recently a bad episode of very high pressure inside his head that caused excruciating headaches. The good news: the pressure returned to normal; the bad news: the headaches stayed anyway. Oncologists and neurologists did all they could, and finally referred T to see me, on two strong medicines which weren't working. I'll fast forward this story past the first two appointments at which I got to know this brave boy, learned that he loves to swim, draw, and beat the level on his Mario game, and at which I began to teach him to use his imagination to turn down the volume on the pain. His appointment today was his third with me, and he proudly announced that he has had no headaches since his last visit. How did you DO that? I asked. And he told me: Sometimes if I feel a headache coming on, I imagine that I can tie it to the string of a helium balloon and watch it float away. And other times, maybe in school, I just put my pencil down and stop thinking for a couple of minutes. Wow. A child who can stop thinking at will is my guru. T exemplifies Einstein's quote, Imagination is more important than knowledge. When my job is to teach children to use their imagination to harness the power of the inner pharmacy, self-healing, I feel like the luckiest man in the world. And even luckier when I got a hug from T on the way out the door. I'll be writing a new set of pages on using clinical hypnosis for the Holistic Medicine MD site soon, so stay tuned. You may be surprised at what you find out! To your health and healing, Robert Pendergrast, MD

Consider Rhodiola rosea When Looking for Herbs for Depression

Sat, 01 May 2010 19:20:55 GMT

Did you know that Rhodiola rosea is one of the best herbs for depression and energy? Find out at Holistic Medicine MD.

How to not be Afraid of
Your Seafood

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 04:13:47 GMT

I know you have heard from me (on this site or in person) the importance of seafood and omega-3 fats for health. But I also know that you may worry about toxic contaminants in seafood, and about overfishing the oceans. What if the fish could be dangerous? What if we wipe out whole species and our children are left without treasures from the sea? Those are very real concerns. But here's a very real way to enjoy healthy seafood and know those two questions have been addressed. The Seafood Watch site created by the Monterey Bay Aquarium shows you which fish are a safe harvest for the ocean. And now they have a "Super Green" List of seafood that is not only sustainable but also high in omega-3 fats and low in toxins. Go to http://www.montereybayaquarium.org and click on the Seafood Watch link. You can feel good about eating seafood again! to your health and healing, Robert Pendergrast, MD

Protect Children (and yourself) from
Poisons in Food

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 17:30:01 GMT

I'm a pediatrician who sees adults for medical consults, but I'm still a pediatrician at heart. And I am really concerned about the impact on children of pesticides in food. The brains and endocrine systems of children are still developing, and their livers are often not mature enough to detoxify poisons that can be ingested from the environment. For that reason, it is even more important for children than for adults that you choose organically grown fruits and vegetables when possible. But because they are more expensive, you may need to target your organic shopping to only those foods most likely to be contaminated. That's where the Shoppers' Guide to Pesticides from the Environmental Working Group comes in. There you can read not only about the "dirty dozen" and the "clean fifteen" but also about the reasons this is important for your health. The web address is http://www.foodnews.org/walletguide.php While you're here, make sure to subscribe to Real Foods That Heal, and take the time to explore all the other pages on nutrition and health here. Thanks for visiting! Robert Pendergrast, MD, MPH

Sunlight reduces risk of colon cancer!

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 02:16:50 GMT

This is too important to miss, so I'm passing along a short summary of a recent study. In the January 2010 online edition of the British Medical Journal, another study was published showing the role of vitamin D in reducing cancer risk. And the specific details are key to understand, because it does not imply that taking extra vitamin D pills would do the same thing. This research has followed over 500,000 people in Europe for years. They have now found that people with the highest blood levels of vitamin D have a 40 lower risk of colorectal cancer than those with the lowest levels. But there was no risk reduction that resulted from dietary intake of vitamin D. This implies that it was natural production of vitamin D in the body from sun exposure that conferred protection. At the same time, calcium in the diet did reduce colon cancer risk. What's my take on this? Vitamin D is crucial for life and health. It's probably best to let your own body make it by sun exposure. Make sure you get enough calcium in your diet (I prefer non-dairy sources). Get your blood level tested for 25(OH)vitamin D. If low, get in the sun more, and take 2000 IU of vitamin D3 per day if you live anywhere north of Atlanta, Georgia. And while you are here, for more important vitamin D news, please review the vitamin D page on this website, located under the Osteoporosis tab. to your health and wellness, Robert Pendergrast, MD, MPH

Eat your Yard...

Sun, 04 Apr 2010 04:18:24 GMT

It was a beautiful spring day at my home, and while cleaning up the yard, I could not resist harvesting some fresh tender dandelion greens in the late morning. Rinsed and drained, they became part of a salad with some arugula, carrots, apple slices, with an oil and vinegar dressing. Delicious! Fresh dandelion greens are a terrific source of vitamins A & K, calcium, and act as a liver tonic and mild diuretic. Sort of like spring cleaning for your body! But don't eat them out of your yard if you use herbicides or pesticides. Organic only! Enjoy. There was a Real Foods That Heal bulletin devoted to this about a year ago, not in the Archives yet. Subscribe now and don't miss another issue.

Thinking of cranberry supplements? Or is juice better? Find out here.

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 04:50:22 GMT

Did you know that cranberry supplements can prevent bladder infections, but not treat them? Holistic Medicine MD gives the real health benefits of cranberries and a recipe too!

Healthy Recipes from the Doctor's Kitchen

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 18:57:39 GMT

Natural medicine from healthy recipes, join Robert Pendergrast, MD, MPH in the kitchen

Cabbage Juice Heals Ulcers

Sat, 06 Mar 2010 03:43:09 GMT

If you are a Real Foods That Heal subscriber, be sure to check your inbox for the latest issue published this morning. I had been aware of the use of cabbage juice to treat ulcers for some time, but more in depth reading revealed a really interesting story dating back to 1949. Not a subscriber yet? See the simple sign up page upper left on the home page.... And check the Archives for many healing foods and recipes!

Herbal pain relief, holistic doctor recommendations.

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 13:49:31 GMT

Why this MD prefers herbal pain relief to prescriptions.

Spaghetti featured in the latest Real Foods That Heal

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 21:13:09 GMT

If you are not already subscribing, you won't see this in the archives for a while, and this is important. I'll give you a short excerpt, but you'll also get a lot of good information by looking at the glycemic index page on this site, at http://www.holistic-medicine-md.com/low-glycemic-foods.html I've been thinking lately about carbohydrates. Carb confusion is rampant, and every time I turn around I hear about another diet plan that takes a different slant on low carb. ... For some overweight people, 'no flour, no sugar' may be necessary to shift metabolism, move out of a pre-diabetic state, and drop to a normal body weight. ...strict rules like that are attractive, because they don't require a lot of decision making. But most of us don't want to be that restrictive. ...That's where the glycemic index comes in.... Click on 'Subscribe' now to never miss another Real Foods That Heal e-zine!

Medicinal plants and herbs: natural health meets medical science

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 17:22:13 GMT

Who advises you on medicinal plants and herbs? Can you depend on the store clerk to understand safety and interactions? Before you shop, get MD recommendations on herbs here

Real Foods That Heal issue on Miso Soup

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 04:43:27 GMT

If you are subscribed to Real Foods That Heal, my weekly e-zine, check your e-mail inbox. I have been thinking about miso for a while, and writing about a nice hot soup was perfect for the frigid days we are having right now! Subscribers are the first to get these bulletins, as it won't be up on the archives for quite a while yet. If you missed it, click the Archives for other whole soy foods and good recipes! to your health, Robert Pendergrast, M.D.

2009 Year End thoughts on food and health

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 04:01:16 GMT

What have I learned in 2009 about food and health? Three areas deserve mention: Legumes and heart disease prevention: the more I read, study, and practice medicine, the more I am convinced of the value of beans for cardiovascular health. They will decrease LDL cholesterol, lower homocysteine, decrease inflammation in arteries, and make diabetes less likely. Take some time to look over all the bulletins on legumes, and you'll see what I mean! Aim for four legume meals per week. My long-held suspicion that the rapid absorption of carbohydrates leading to blood sugar and insulin elevations is a key cause of obesity has been confirmed in clinical practice. If you are concerned about weight, talk to me about reducing sugars and anything made with flour. We can prevent over 70,000 new cases of breast cancer each year in the United States by making good choices in food, exercise, and weight control. Astonishing. And even more astonishing that you hardly ever hear anything about this, even with all the pink ribbons and fund-raisers. But you will be hearing a lot about it soon: my book will be going to publication in the next few months, and I am ready to promote it with all the energy I can find. Preventing 70,000 cases of cancer is worth it, and I would love to build a fire under a movement to do just that. When you hear from me that the book is available, join me in the cause and help me spread the word. Thanks! To stay current on the latest science on foods and health, sign up for Real Foods That Heal (click on the link in the left hand column). to your health, Robert Pendergrast, M.D.

Osteoporosis Treatment: Understanding Your Options

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 03:08:24 GMT

Confused about osteoporosis treatment? Here's straight talk from a doctor about prescriptions and natural remedies

Who needs osteoporosis medication?

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 02:46:25 GMT

If your doctor writes for an osteoporosis medication, here's the information you need to make an informed decision.

Cancer Prevention: Powerful, Safe, Natural, and MD Verified.

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:05:39 GMT

One third of cancers are related to our food choices. Cancer prevention strategies are known to science, now you can know them too. Move yourself from high to low-risk with real foods, MD researched

Chamomile tea, safe and effective for all ages

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:00:10 GMT

Nervous stomach? Colic? Reach for chamomile tea as safer relief for upset stomachs or anxiety.

Real Foods That Heal issue on Lima Beans and your Heart

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 03:57:38 GMT

Another issue of the Real Foods That Heal e-zine has just gone out; if you are subscribed, check your e-mail inbox. I'm especially excited about the recipe with this one, and of course about the heart health that comes along with the good food! Also check the 2008 Archived editions of RFTH; almost the whole year is up on the site; simply click on the "Archives" link to your left. If you are not already subscribed, click to sign up; it's free and we will honor your privacy. best regards, Robert Pendergrast, MD

Osteoporosis Treatment, Prevention, vitamin D, calcium supplements and more

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 14:04:17 GMT

Are prescription drugs for the rest of your life really the answer? If osteoporosis is your question, find answers here about calcium supplements, vitamin D, prevention, and natural medicine