Canker Sores: The Secret Weapon and Why Germans Do Better

We don’t really know the exact cause of most canker sores. However we know they develop with certain foods such as citrus or acidic fruits and vegetables including lemons, oranges, pineapples, apples, figs, tomatoes, and strawberries or these can make the problem of canker sores worse.

But there are other reasons which might also trigger canker sores such as a sharp tooth surfaces, braces, or ill-fitting dentures. In cases of these sores, a dentist should be consulted too. Continue reading…

Posted by Heinz-Josef Lenz, MD on July 17th, 2009
Posted in: From the Desk of Dr. Lenz | 6 Comments »
Tags: canker sores, Managing Symptoms and Side Effects

Insomnia: An Overview and Some Alternative Approaches

It is unbelievable how many patients in my practice suffer from insomnia and are taking sleeping medications. I thought I’d share with you some alternatives which may help you to get a restful sleep.

Many sleeping medications make you sleep but don’t allow you to really rest. They take away your dream/REM pattern which is necessary to get the feeling of rest. Those who fall asleep easily and sleep through the night are the lucky ones. Continue reading…

Posted by Heinz-Josef Lenz, MD on July 14th, 2009
Posted in: From the Desk of Dr. Lenz | No Comments »
Tags: HJ Lenz, insomnia, Managing Symptoms and Side Effects

Ginger for Pain, Fever, Nausea, and Your Heart

For centuries, ginger has been used for its antispasmodic, anti-nausea action and its ability to relieve nausea, vomiting, indigestion, and to calm an upset stomach. There are also reports that ginger can decrease dizziness and vertigo and some studies report that it improves the heart’s overall functioning.

Studies report that ginger can reduce blood pressure and reduce cholesterol which all help to decrease risk of coronary artery disease. One study showed that ginger is as effective as prescription drugs such as Reglan to treat nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy.

Last week there was a big write-up in the Los Angeles Times, so most of my patients cut out the article and asked me if it is okay to take ginger. Continue reading…

Posted by Heinz-Josef Lenz, MD on May 26th, 2009
Posted in: From the Desk of Dr. Lenz | 2 Comments »
Tags: ginger, Managing Symptoms and Side Effects, nausea

Ice Craving: A Sign of Anemia

We had a couple of patients in our clinics which developed ice craving. They loved to crush and chew on ice chips all the time. When they saw their physician for another reason, blood tests showed low level of hemoglobin, known as anemia.

It turned out that these patients had iron deficiency coming from blood loss from colon cancer. These iron deficiencies can lead to a craving to chew or eat ice chips. Iron deficiencies can affect the mucosa in the gut and mouth, and ice chips may relief some of the discomfort caused by iron deficiencies. Continue reading…

Posted by Heinz-Josef Lenz, MD on May 7th, 2009
Posted in: From the Desk of Dr. Lenz | 11 Comments »
Tags: anemia, iron deficiency, Managing Symptoms and Side Effects, Preventing Colorectal Cancer

What to Do for Gas and Abdominal Cramping

Fennel

There are interesting remedies available for gas and bloating.

In Europe most babies get fennel tea in their bottles to reduce the risk of bloating and gas. There have been many reports showing that when you use one teaspoon of fennel seeds, brew a tea, and sweeten it with honey two to three times a day you can reduce your symptoms. It is no accident that many digestive drinks contain fennel.

Another helpful remedy is caraway seeds. If you combine caraway seeds and fennel seeds you may have additional benefit. We usually recommend one teaspoon each to make a cup of tea and use honey to sweeten it up. Caraway seeds are often used when sauerkraut is prepared, not only for the taste but also to reduce the gas associated with sauerkraut consumption.

Patients who have had a pancreas surgery may also consider using digestive enzymes. Foully smelly stools which float, associated with a lot of gas and cramping, can be a sign of pancreas insufficiency. The pancreas does not produce enough enzymes to help to digest food which leads to incomplete digested fat which makes stools stinky and able to float in the toilet bowl. Pancreas enzymes taken together with food can completely correct this very fast.

Posted by Heinz-Josef Lenz, MD on May 5th, 2009
Posted in: From the Desk of Dr. Lenz | No Comments »
Tags: cramping, gas, Managing Symptoms and Side Effects, pancreas enzymes