Dennis
the Chemist
Dennis Gore or "Dennis the Chemist" as he is affectionately known, is a community pharmacist, who has specialized in complimentary medicine for nearly forty years.
He regularly appears on radio and television and can be heard on City Talk FM in Liverpool every month answering queries on complementary and alternative medicines and pharmacy.
Dennis is frequently found discussing current healthcare issues on local news and current affairs shows, as well as lecturing to doctors, pharmacists and other health care professionals.
In fact he is a bit of a local celebrity, having been interviewed by a variety of presenters from Julie Goodyear to George Hamilton. People from far and wide phone, write, and email and
turn up on his doorstep seeking advice on everything from asthma to zinc deficiency and all 'stations' in between.
In ANNI's VITALSHOP we are lucky to have Dennis Gore as our guest. He will be at the Los Boliches shop on Monday 20th of February from 10am -2pm and the same time on Tuesday 21th of February at the shop in EuroMarket, Mijas Costa.
Valentines day
The 14th of February is the annual commemoration of Saint Valentine’s Day. It is commonly shortened to Valentine’s Day. On this date it is celebrated the love and affection between intimate companions. Gradually this custom has widened, so it's not just our hearts chosen ones, but it also includes other close friends and relatives whom we pay extra loving attention.
Some people hate Valentine’s Day because they think this date is too commercialized and unnecessary and see it as an additional opportunity to make business for florists, restaurants, jewellers, etc. It may be true, but the advantage is that most of us, through this marketing have become aware of Valentine's Day. So it is up to each of us to do as we feel according to our passion, inventiveness and pocketbook. It needs not be expensive. Maybe we should just follow a quote from Paul Tillich, who says, “That love's first duty is to listen”.
The important thing is that on this day we pay extra attention and send out the love in our heart to the entire world, not just only to the one we most love, but to our pets and all the people we meet in our daily day.
This can lead us to experience a wonderful feeling and we might decide to use our heart a little more in our everyday. The final purpose is that each of us contribute to the whole beauty of the vast global network, and it would make a big difference to smile to a stranger or to say a kind word, those simple gestures would spread like ripples on the surface of water.
A quote by Ursula K. LeGuin, I am very fond of:
"Love is not just there,
like a stone, it must be created,
like bread, recreated all the time, made new.”
The Heart function
Our heart really is a simple pump, although an amazing one. We often do not give a thought as long as it just works, as it should. Each time the heart beats it is pumping around 10 cl. Cardiovascular diseases can be hereditary but often they can be related to lifestyle and living conditions. Tobacco smoke and lack of exercise can contribute greatly. Many cardio-vascular disorders are caused by atherosclerosis, a narrowing of the body and the heart's arteries. into the arteries, which are the veins that carry blood away from the heart. The heart pumps around 70 times per minute even when we are resting.
The heart is our most vital organ. We should take great care of this amazing body throughout our entire life, but often we forget and it is only when the heart starts giving warning and the first symptoms and signs appear that we start thinking about it.
Symptoms
The very first signs that we need to start worrying are quick fatigued, shortness of breath and maybe wheezing, chronic dry cough, swollen ankles, blue arms and legs due to poor blood flow because the heart does not pump blood efficiently around.
The Importance of your Diet
It is important to follow a light diet. Cut down on coffee and sugar. Eat a diet that is rich in antioxidants. Increase your intake of fresh fruit and vegetables. Put the emphasis in quality and eat preferably organic food. Eat as often as possible whole grains, and see that you get the right fats.
Make sure that a part of your diet contains garlic, turmeric and ginger.
Keep a varied diet. Although we do not really dare to trust our instincts, because every day we are bombarded by nutrition experts telling us the eternal truth about their views on diets, try to practice to sharpen your instinct and eat food you feel agrees with you.
Some people these days are very interested in raw food. If you choose it for a very short period, it may be almost as cleansing as fasting. But both, raw food or fastening diets can be good under the guidance of a professional dietician who knows about these diets, especially if you know you have a weak or delicate heart.
For your body, both physically and mentally, and especially for your heart, the way you eat and drink is very important, almost as important as what you eat. I spend much time in my shop warning my customers about this subject, and often they look at me a little condescending, but I believe with all my heart in what I am saying. Chew your food thoroughly and breathe deeply while you eat! Eat every mouthful as if you knew it was the only bite you got today. Put the fork and knife down between each bite. Yes, it is almost an impossible task and I think it requires a lifelong exercise, but it definitely feels so great when one succeeds!
Pay attention to portion sizes. My horoscope sign is the bull and like a typical bull I love food. With the above "in mind," I try to make portion sizes smaller. I believe it is an important precaution, since studies have shown that people who eat about 1800 calories a day live longer than those who eat between 3200 and 3500 calories daily.
Q10
There are countless studies availing Q 10 as heart’s help No.1. It is strengthening the muscle cell functions and therefore really good for the heart. The dose to be taken is of course very individual, but often 100 mg is used with good effect.
Magnesium
Many people lack magnesium, because magnesium is not available in adequate levels in our food nowadays. Magnesium is important for the heart muscle's ability to generate sufficient energy and counteract disturbances in heart rhythm. People with valvular heart disease very often have lack of magnesium. Do you have high blood pressure? That may also be a sign of magnesium deficiency. Magnesium deficiency may be caused by: stress, a starchy diet, birth control pills, coffee, alcohol, diuretics, etc. A normal dose is of 600 mg daily. Be aware that we must have enough of B-6 to utilize magnesium in full.
Carnitin
I love the amino acid carnitine. Mainly because it is good for the heart and also because it helps to burn fat in the muscle, giving a nice energy. It can be taken both as L-carnitine or acetyl-L-carnitine. It is important for energy generation in the mitochondria, which are found in all cells, which are the body's energy workshops. The body produces carnitine, but unfortunately the output decreases with age. Normal dose is 500 mg 3 x daily. I know that higher doses have been used for cardiac arrhythmia or actual heart failure, but you should talk to a doctor who knows about it.
There once was a scientist who wrote that the best anti-aging supplements were a combination of alpha lipoid acid and acetyl-L-carnitine.
Fish oil
Omega 3 can counteract the risk of heart attack. It can improve heart function and help in the prevention of arrhythmia.
Normal dose is 2 to 3 grams daily.
Hawthorn
Also known as Crataegus, is the best natural remedy for the heart I know. It has an excellent effect on weak heart muscles. The remedy is fantastic both for arteriosclerosis, high blood pressure and narrowed coronary arteries. It helps rhythm disturbances, and has no side effects. If you have pain in the heart the product can be safely taken every half an hour, but of course, seek medical attention if you experience any pain.
Ginkgo Biloba
Stimulates the circulatory system. The dose is 100 to 200 mg daily.
Small hints
Follow your heart and follow your calling. As I write this, I think this motto applies to all age groups. It's good to find a "job" that appeals to you, fits your skills and interests, so that time flies and get the best heart-energy in you.
Do you have a lot of stress in your life? Find out how to reduce it in one way or another. Be aware that diseased teeth can have a bad influence on your heart. If your gums bleed, have a chat with your dentist.
Exercise is good. Exercise up to what you feel you can tolerate. Do you have a weak heart? Talk to a doctor about which exercise is best for you. Little by little you will find out that you can do more and more, and your heart will get stronger and stronger. It is important to protect the heart and avoid exercise during or just after a cold or other kind of infection. It could cause cardiac arrest, even in well?trained people. Viruses are often also found in the heart muscle. Be aware that many drugs often affect the heart's pumping ability. Save on salted food and be rather splendid with spices. When using salt, Himalayan salt can be a good idea. It has 88 of the 92 minerals we need. Seltin may be another option, because it contains a lot of potassium and magnesium salt. According to professor in clinical medicine Robert Nicolosi, tea is contributing to prevent blood clots.
Louise Hay is of the opinion that longterm emotional problems can cause heart troubles. Therefore happiness is so important. Joy and happiness, her advices are to let the joy flowing through our mind, our body and our experiences.
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