Yang Ming Clinic of Acupuncture

09/06/2026

White beans are exceptional dietary tools for managing hypertension, primarily due to their dense concentration of potassium and their specific interaction with cardiovascular physiology.

​Here is a brief breakdown of how they help lower blood pressure, thus reversing hypertension:

​1. Counteracting Sodium (The Sodium-Potassium Pump): ​Hypertension is often exacerbated by a high-sodium diet, which causes the body to retain water and increases blood pressure. Potassium acts as a natural counter-mechanism. At a cellular level, maintaining a higher concentration of intracellular potassium relative to extracellular sodium helps regulate fluid balance. When you consume potassium-rich foods like white beans, it encourages the kidneys to excrete excess sodium through urine, directly reducing blood volume and pressure.

​2. Promoting Vasodilation: ​Potassium plays a critical role in relaxing the smooth muscle walls of the blood vessels. ​Decreased Vascular Resistance: By relaxing these muscles, potassium induces vasodilation (the widening of blood vessels).
​Improved Blood Flow: Wider vessels allow blood to flow more freely, which significantly reduces the workload on the heart and lowers systemic blood pressure.

​3. Nutritional Density and Synergy: ​White beans are particularly effective because they offer a high yield of potassium alongside other supportive nutrients:
​The Magnesium Connection: White beans are also rich in magnesium, another mineral vital for vascular relaxation and endothelial function!

Summary: ​High Fiber, Low Glycemic Index: The high soluble fiber content in beans helps regulate blood lipids and blood sugar, reducing overall cardiovascular strain and supporting long-term arterial health! White beans serve as a highly bioavailable source of potassium that simultaneously drives sodium excretion and reduces vascular resistance, making them a premier functional food for hypertensive management.

09/06/2026

Did you know? Most potassium is found inside cells, not measurable in blood! Blood tests may look normal.

The cure to Hypertension. Potassium deficiency can be difficult to diagnose, and symptoms are sometimes vague. Fatigue, weakness, insomnia.

Unfortunately, the average person is not getting enough potassium from their diet! Our ancestors did.

One cup of leafy greens provides between 500 and 800 mg of potassium. You need more than 100mg daily!

Dietary sources include:

-Arugula

-Avocados

-Wild-caught salmon (must NEVER be farmed!)

-Nuts and nut butters

-Seeds (Walnuts, pistachio)

- White beans (what a unique food!)

It's time to start consuming a lot of foods high in potassium, like leafy greens, for one week and see how you feel. Help a loved one with hypertension that's hard to control.

I'll show you my top sources of natural potassium (and Omega 3"s)!

Dr. M. Rivero,MD MScPH R. Ac.; information only.

30/05/2026

Blueberry lovers often assume fresh berries are automatically superior to frozen ones, but food science paints a more interesting picture.

Frozen blueberries can actually preserve nutrients remarkably well because they are typically frozen shortly after harvest, often near peak ripeness. That rapid freezing slows the natural breakdown that fresh produce experiences during shipping, storage, and supermarket display.

One especially interesting detail involves Anthocyanin — the dark blue-purple pigments responsible for much of a blueberry’s antioxidant activity.

When blueberries freeze, ice crystals form inside the fruit and rupture some of the plant cells. While that damages texture slightly, it can also make anthocyanins easier to release during thawing, blending, digestion, or cooking.

That means frozen berries may sometimes provide highly accessible antioxidant compounds despite losing the firm texture associated with fresh fruit.

Fresh blueberries still have advantages:

firmer texture

less moisture loss

better for certain recipes

enjoyable eaten raw

But frozen berries are not nutritionally “inferior backups.”

In many cases they are:

harvested ripe

preserved quickly

available year-round

less expensive

longer lasting

highly nutritious

For smoothies, oatmeal, yogurt, baking, or sauces, frozen blueberries can be an extremely practical and nutrient-rich option.

So while freezing changes the fruit physically, it does not automatically reduce its nutritional value — and in some cases, it may even help release beneficial compounds more efficiently.

18/05/2026

Hand pain & it's origins the neck (cervical area).

Acupuncture in the neck area may address neurological problems by blocking pain pathways and relaxing muscle spams that contribute to pain.

17/05/2026

Best analogy. Ever.

15/05/2026

Do you know your Vitamin B's?

Vitamin B6, B9, and B12 work together as a powerful metabolic triangle, playing a key role in nerve health, red blood cell formation, and maintaining homocysteine balance.

This infographic highlights how deficiencies can overlap and present with subtle symptoms like fatigue, tingling, or mood changes. Treating one vitamin alone may not be enough—true recovery requires balance. Understanding this connection helps improve diagnosis, prevention, and overall wellness through a more holistic nutritional approach.

11/05/2026

Myth vs Fact: What Science Really Says About Eggs

Science has officially debunked the cholesterol myth, confirming that eggs aren’t unhealthy.

In fact, they are a nutritional powerhouse!

For decades, the humble egg was vilified as a primary cause of high cholesterol, but modern science has finally cleared its name. Research shows that dietary cholesterol has a negligible effect on blood cholesterol for the vast majority of people, as the liver naturally adjusts its own production to maintain balance. The real culprits behind rising LDL levels are diets high in saturated fats, trans fats, and refined sugars, combined with a lack of fiber. Current nutritional consensus now suggests that consuming up to one egg per day is not only safe for healthy individuals but can serve as an affordable, high-quality protein source within a varied diet.

Beyond the cholesterol debate, many consumers still fall for myths regarding egg color and the "danger" of yolks. In truth, shell color is purely a genetic trait of the hen and carries no nutritional significance. Furthermore, while egg whites provide protein, the yolk is the nutritional engine of the egg, containing essential vitamins A and D, iron, and choline, which is vital for brain function. By consuming the whole egg and focusing on whole-food pairings like nuts and olive oil, you can maximize your nutrient intake while ignoring the outdated guidelines that once limited this dietary staple.

Source: Carson, J. S., Lichtenstein, A. H., Anderson, C. A., Appel, L. J., Kris-Etherton, P. M., Meyer, K. A., ... & Van Horn, L. V. (2020). Dietary Cholesterol and Cardiovascular Risk: A Scientific Advisory From the American Heart Association. Circulation.

09/05/2026

New Article is Now Live!
Cuba's first exposure to Chinese Medicine!

Did you know that in Cuban culture, there is a character known for his extensive medical knowledge and skill, to the point that a popular phrase was coined in his honor?

If someone in Cuba tells you that Not even the Chinese Doctor can save you, then you are in real trouble.

This wasn't based on a legendary story but on real Chinese doctors who saved people's lives and got immortalized in popular culture.

If you want to see how Chinese Medicine took root in Cuba and its amazing heritage, check out this post!

The Surprising Heritage of Chinese Medicine in Cuba

05/05/2026

The Best Health hacks EVER:

Apply these 20 healthy habits today for your best health yet:

1. Only eat when you’re hungry. Seriously.

2. Only drink when you’re thirsty.
Over-consuming liquid dilutes electrolytes, especially sodium, which can cause dehydration.

3. Carbonated water is more hydrating.

4. Find the diet that works best for you. Mine is a mix of Carviore and Mediterranean.

5. Practice intermittent fasting.
Intermittent fasting allows your body to recycle damaged proteins, create new tissues, clean up pathogens, and eliminate bacteria, viruses, and mold.

6. Stop snacking between meals.
Snacking keeps insulin high. Stopping snacking can significantly improve your health, even if you don’t change your diet.

7. Lower your carb intake.
The most important thing to look at when reading a label is the carbohydrates. You should consume no more than 30 grams of carbohydrates per day.

8. Request a fasting insulin test.
A fasting insulin test can help you prevent diabetes before it becomes a problem.

9. Test your vitamin D levels.
You need at least 10,000 to 20,000 IU of vitamin D per day. Magnesium is vital for proper vitamin D function.

10. Get plenty of potassium.
You need 4700 mg of potassium per day. Potassium calms the nervous system, lowers blood pressure, and increases energy.

11. Avoid synthetic vitamins and look for high-quality, nutrient-dense supplements.

12. Red meat is the most nutrient-dense protein, vital for health and well-being, energy levels, and healthy blood sugars.

13. Counter past antibiotic use with a homemade probiotic mixture to help restore your gut microbiota. Kefir is the best yoghurt substitute!

14. Overtraining can deplete your testosterone. Rest is vital to achieve muscle growth and to keep your hormones balanced.

15. Take vitamin B1 if you stray from your healthy diet.

16. Choose a natural source like beef liver or liver supplements if you need more iron. If you take Iron, remember to ingest with Vit.C.

17. Focus on exercise for age-related atrophy. Heavy weight training is best.

18. Take 50,000 to 100,000 IU of vitamin D before surgery. Often sunlight isn't enough.

19. Invest in a good water filter to remove forever chemicals & microplasrics from your drinking water.

20. Remember to take deep breaths in the morning & at bedtime, or when you are feeling anxious.

Dr. M. Rivero, MD, MScPH R. Ac ; information only