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| | Sept. 18,
2006 Ask Dr. Weil
Dr. Andrew Weil explains in this week's magazine that coffee, tea and brown seaweed can be good for your brain, heart and waistline. To learn more about these health benefits, read some of the responses below.
 
Dr. Weil, DR. WEIL: Yes. But in the case of tea, decaffeinated products are low-quality. I suggest buying good quality green tea and decaffeinating it yourself.Caffeine is very soluble in water; the beneficial polyphenols are not. Pour boiling water over loose tea, let sit for 45 seconds, and pour water off. Then brew the tea normally. Flavor and polyphenol content will be unaffected, but most of the caffeine will come off with the first water.
Is caffeine at all related to the health benefits of green tea or coffee? Would decaf provide the same benefits? Would the detriments of caffeine consumption outweigh the benefits of the coffee consumption?
DR. WEIL: No, caffeine is not related to the health benefits of green tea and coffee. See above.
Dear Dr. Weil, DR. WEIL: Rooibos or red tea is not true tea. It does contain antioxidants but has no caffeine. Much less research has been done on it than on green tea.
Does green tea cause any harm to the liver of a person who has chronic hepatitis B?
DR. WEIL: No.
Dr. Weil, I just want to ask what teas/food can help enhance my memory? I really have a poor memory and that's one of my concerns. Thank you doc. God bless us.
DR. WEIL: Turmeric may protect against Alzheimer's disease. (I like cold, unsweetened turmeric tea, a popular beverage in Okinawa.) Oily fish and fish oil are good for brain health. And the herbal remedy Ginkgo biloba is safe and effective.
Is there a big difference between green tea and black tea other than antioxidants? Can I use black tea because green tea costs twice as much as black tea.
DR. WEIL: Black tea is beneficial too; it just has a lower antioxidant content.
I would like to know if the Diet Green Tea with citrus by Lipton is good for you?
DR. WEIL: No. It contains a number of additives I consider unhealthy, including aspartame and dyes.
I recently started seeing a doctor of oriental medicine.Ê She is working with me on several issues, most importantly fibromyalgia, obesity, depression, and high cholesterol. My question is how long should I try taking Chinese herbal medicines, teas, acupuncture etc. before I see a noticeable change and are there any meds that I should continue to take? She wanted me to get off my "pain meds" which I interpreted as the anti-inflammatory (Relafen). I can hardly move! Please help me assess the situation.
DR. WEIL: I'd give the treatment a 2-month trial — no more. Try to find a doctor of integrative medicine to help you with all this. Go to www.integrativemedicine.arizona.edu to find a practitioner near you.
Is it true that there are health benefits from drinking tea that relates to your blood type?
DR. WEIL: No.
I brew 1 bag of green tea in two cups of water till it is fairly strong. Does this have the health benefits of two cups? Or must I use 2 bags for a shorter time?
DR. WEIL:Yes, it's fine, as long as you like the flavor.
I am an ex-football player that had a lot of muscle mass at one time. Now with a growing family and lots of demands on my time I cannot find the time to work out like I used to. As a result I have gained a lot of weight. I am looking for a natural way to help my metabolism perhaps through herbal supplements that will enable me to lose some weight. I do plan on getting back to exercising but I just need some additional help. What would you recommend?
DR. WEIL: No supplements will take the place of having the right balance of food intake and physical activity.
I have asthma, high cholesterol (family history of heart disease), lupus, osteo-arthritis, fibromyalgia and secondary Sjogren's Syndrome. What effect and benefits would coffee, tea, and brown seaweed would have on me? Also, would these items help keep me from losing any more weight (I have been losing weight without wanting to). Thank you.
DR. WEIL: Green tea would be beneficial for you. I don't know about coffee or brown seaweed.
How do you diagnose E. Coli and what is the treatment/cure? Thank you.
DR. WEIL:It is diagnosed by stool culture to identify the bacteria. Treatment consists of fluid replacement (orally or intravenously), and antidiarrheal drugs. If kidney function is affected, complex supportive care in hospital may be required.
What are the benefits of spirulina? And how much should be taken daily?
DR. WEIL: There is no need for spirulina in human nutrition and no documented benefits from taking it.
I have massive allergy problems ranging from grass, trees, dogs, cats, fish (shrimp, crab, lobster, etc), peanuts, chocolate, mayonnaise, dust, pollen. What can I take to help myself be in control, besides taking allergy shots, pills, eye drops, nasal spray, and ointments for my skin outbreaks? I have been on allergy shots now for 5 years.
DR. WEIL: You might try quercetin, a natural product that reduces allergic responsiveness. Look it up on the Internet.
What is the best way or product to use to detox yourself and your colon? There are so many products out there, is there any simple way you can recommend?
DR. WEIL: Best way is to increase fluid and fiber intake to maintain normal, regular eliminations. The herbal remedy Triphala from Ayurvedic medicine may be helpful. You can get it in capsules at health food stores.
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Mar. 2, 2007
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