All Articles by Sajid Surve, DO
Dr. Surve is a physiatrist, acupuncturist, and osteopath who specializes in musculoskeletal medicine and integrative medicine.
Curry in a Hurry – The Health Benefits of Turmeric
Over the past few decades, the emergence of India as an international superpower has been slow and steady. In the United States, this has translated into a simmering public awareness of Indian culture and an ever-increasing importation of Indian products, whether it be Bollywood movies or Indian cuisine. One of the main staples of Indian cooking, turmeric, has been getting a lot of press recently not for its flavoring prowess, but rather for its health benefits. Presented here is some of the current research regarding this amazing yellow spice.
Lithium as a Neuroprotectant?
Lithium is an elemental chemical found naturally as an alkali metal. The ionic form can be used to form salts which are readily available for medicinal purposes. Although the exact mechanism of action for lithium is unknown, it is believed to function by simultaneously raising serotonin levels and lowering norepinephrine levels. Lithium is used primarily as a mood stabilizer, as it has the unique ability to treat both mania and depression. Unfortunately, the downside of lithium is that it has a very narrow therapeutic window, meaning the blood levels which provide benefits are very close to the blood levels which cause side effects and toxicity. Because of the need for such close monitoring of blood levels, the medication has largely fallen out of favor except for certain diseases like bipolar disorder.
Logistical Barriers to Stem Cell Research
I recently attended a lecture by Wise Young, MD, PhD, who is a prolific researcher in the fields of spinal cord injury and stem cells. The lecture was fascinating, and part of the discussion was the current model for stem cell research. Currently we have two types of stem cells which are available for study: embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). As is well known, embryonic stem cells are derived from fertilized embryos that are allowed to multiply briefly before the cells are harvested. iPSCs are precursor cells found in adults, which are then chemically treated to revert them back to a stem cell.
Doctors as Mirrors – A Reflection on the Doctor-Patient Relationship
Has this scenario ever happened to either you or somebody you know? You get a raving endorsement from a friend or family member about the doctor they saw, and how they're the best thing ever, and how you absolutely MUST go see them immediately? How many times has somebody actually gone to see a doctor based on that recommendation, only to be underwhelmed and confused about the beaming review?These are cases where people fell victim to the cult of personality. The doctor-patient relationship, just like any other relationship, takes on many forms. What works for one person may not jive for another.
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