Wireless Devices Will Save Diabetics’ Lives

By Sean Kelley

I’m a complete gadget geek. (I built my first computer in the 1970s—when I was 5. My first “laptop” experience was just 10 years later with a hulking device that actually had a phone-cradle modem.)

I’m also a diabetic, and I’ve played with a lot of the gadgets aimed at type 2s like me. It hasn’t always been much fun: In 1999, when I was diagnosed, I was shocked by the poor design of the products. The glucose monitors were clunky, inaccurate, and hard to configure. Most came with a vial of solution and code numbers that had to be plugged in to obtain a proper reading. Only a couple of expensive models could connect to a computer, and those required custom software. Read More

Diabetics of the World Unite!

By Sean Kelley My fellow diabetics, now is the time for us to come together. According to the news last week, there are 24 million diabetics in the United States. (I know, some six million of you don’t know you’re diabetic yet, but sooner or later you’re going to ask why you’re going to the bathroom six times a night.)

We now represent a significant part of the American landscape. There are more diabetics than members of the NRA, PETA, and Daughters of the American Revolution combined!

I know, you think the American Diabetes Association is doing a fine job representing us. (I think they’re doing a fine job, too.) And there are places like dLife and Diabetic Connect where we already gather. But they’re just groups and websites. We could be a movement!

Think of it: the 24 Million Diabetic March. We could storm the capital and build a mountain of blood sugar strips on the White House lawn to make our numbers known. It’s possible—we have heft (for once I’m not talking about waistlines and BMI).

We could even make demands. This will take some discussion, but I think we should start by asking for access to better health care and sugar-free donuts that actually taste like Krispy Kreme.

But seriously, when a disease reaches critical mass—the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 57 million Americans have prediabetes (a condition in which individuals have elevated blood glucose levels that are not high enough to be classified as diabetes…yet)—it demands attention all on its own. So, what exactly would we be fighting for? Read More

What is Fucoxanthin?

From Cathy Wong,


Fucoxanthin is a type of carotenoid found naturally in edible brown seaweed such as wakame (Undaria pinnatifida) and hijiki (Hijikia fusiformis), which are used widely in Asian cuisine. Wakame is the seaweed used in miso soup.

Fucoxanthin is also found in much smaller amounts in red seaweed (the kind typically used in Japanese sushi rolls) and green seaweed.

Both wakame and hijiki are available at Japanese specialty food stores, some health food stores and online. Although brown seaweed is the richest source of fucoxanthin, you would have to eat an unrealistic amount of it daily to get fucoxanthin levels close to those used in research studies.

Fucoxanthin is also available as a nutritional supplement in capsule form and can be found in some health food stores and online.

Why Do People Use Fucoxanthin?
Weight Loss
Fucoxanthin is being explored for weight loss.

So far, only animal studies have been done. Japanese researchers have found that fucoxanthin (isolated from wakame) promotes the loss of abdominal fat in obese mice and rats. Animals lost five to 10% of their body weight.

Although it's not fully understood how fucoxanthin works, it appears to target a protein called UCP1 that increases the rate at which abdominal fat is burned. Abdominal fat, also called white adipose tissue, is the kind of fat that surrounds our organs and is linked to heart disease and diabetes. Fucoxanthin also appears to stimulate the production of DHA, one of the omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish such as salmon.

Although it's promising and already a popular nutritional supplement, more research is needed to determine if fucoxanthin will work in the same way in humans. If it does prove to be effective, fucoxanthin could be developed into a diet pill for obesity.

Diabetes

Fucoxanthin has also been found in animal studies to decrease insulin and blood glucose levels. Researchers hypothesize that fucoxanthin anti-diabetes effect may be because fucoxanthin appears to promote the formation of DHA (the omega-3 fatty acid found in fish oil). DHA is thought to increase insulin sensitivity, improve triglycerides and reduce LDL ("bad") cholesterol.

Cancer

Preliminary research in test tubes suggests that fucoxanthin may have anti-tumor effects. No studies have looked at whether this holds true in humans or if taken orally. It's far too early for fucoxanthin to be used as a complementary treatment for cancer.

Side Effects
Because there hasn't been research on fucoxanthin in humans, the possible side effects aren't known.

People shouldn't consume large amounts of wakame or other types of seaweed as a source of fucoxanthin. Seaweed is rich in iodine and excessive consumption may result in iodine poisoning. High levels of iodine can interfere with the function of the thyroid gland. Also, consuming excess amounts of iodine-rich foods isn't recommended if there is a known allergy or hypersensitivity to iodine.

Moderate Exercise Cuts Risk of Metabolic Syndrome

(HealthDay News) -- A brisk 30-minute walk most days of the week is enough to undo metabolic syndrome, a health condition that can lead to heart disease, diabetes and stroke, a new study suggests.

"What we found was a modest amount of moderate intensity exercise was very effective in improving metabolic syndrome risk," said study author Johanna L. Johnson, a clinical researcher at Duke University Medical Center's department of medicine.

At the start of the study, 41 percent of the 171 participants had metabolic syndrome; at the end, just 27 percent did. The study was published in the Dec. 15 issue of the American Journal of Cardiology.

About one-quarter of all U.S. adults have metabolic syndrome, a collection of risk factors that can eventually set you up for more serious health problems. While some experts debate the validity of considering metabolic syndrome a disease unto itself, the risk factors are potentially dangerous. They include a large waist circumference; high blood pressure; high levels of triglycerides; low levels of good (HDL) cholesterol; and high blood sugar. If you have three or more of the five risk factors, you have metabolic syndrome.

Johnson and her colleagues looked at the effects of different amounts and intensities of exercise.
The researchers assigned the 171 men and women to one of four groups. One was a control group, whose members continued to be sedentary. The other three groups included:

• A low amount/moderate intensity group. They did brisk walking three to five days a week, aiming for about 11 miles, and typically putting in about three hours a week.


• A low amount/vigorous intensity group. They did the same 11 or so miles but at a jogging pace, so they ended up getting about two hours of exercise a week.


• A high amount/vigorous intensity group. They jogged at a vigorous pace about 17 miles a week, putting in about three hours.

What was a bit surprising, Johnson said, was the benefits conferred to each group.
"What we found was that modest amounts of moderate intensity exercise [the low/moderate group] were very effective in improving metabolic syndrome," she said. Those who exercised the most, jogging 17 miles a week, gained a bit more benefit in terms of lowered metabolic syndrome scores, she said.

Those in the low amount/vigorous intensity group didn't improve their scores as much as those who did less-intense exercise for a longer period of time, the low amount/moderate intensity group.

Moderate intensity activity every day, or almost every day, may be better for metabolic syndrome risk reduction than more vigorous activity a few days a week, the researchers suggested.

All three groups of exercisers did have a reduction in their waistline circumference. Waist circumferences above 34.6 inches in women and 40.2 in men are a risk factor for metabolic syndrome, the researchers said.

The high amount/vigorous intensity group had the best reduction in body mass index (BMI, a ratio of weight to height). It went from an average of 29.2 to 28.4. A BMI of 30 and higher is termed obese.

So, the bottom line for middle-age, sedentary, overweight people? "If you tell them to go out for a brisk walk 30 minutes on most days of the week, they are highly likely to improve health and metabolic syndrome risk," Johnson said.

The new research confirms advice on exercise from the American College of Sports Medicine and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, she added.

"It confirms that exercise is beneficial," said Kerry Stewart, a professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, who also has done research on the topic.

"It confirms the benefit of exercise for reducing metabolic syndrome and all the risk factors that make up metabolic syndrome," he said. The surprise, he agreed, was that moderate activity may be enough.

More information
To learn more about metabolic syndrome, visit the American Heart Association.

Health Tip: Causes of Fainting

(HealthDay News) -- Fainting occurs due to a sudden drop in blood flow to the brain, resulting in brief loss of consciousness. Fainting can be accompanied by dizziness or nausea.
Here are some common triggers, courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

• Straining during urination or a bowel movement.
• Excessive coughing.
• Standing for too long in the same position, or quickly standing up from a lying position.
• Severe pain, stress, fear or emotional distress.
• Excessive bleeding or dehydration.
• Medications used to treat conditions like high blood pressure, anxiety, allergies and nasal congestion.
• Use of drugs or alcohol.
• Low blood sugar.

more discussion: Forum
· Addiction Forum · Ask the Doctors Forum · Ayurveda Forum · Ayurvedic & Thai Herbs Forum · Colon Cleansing Forum · Dental Forum · Diabetes Forum · Diet Forum · General Cleansing Forum · Hepatitis A, B. C Forum · Integrated Medicine Forum · Live Blood Analysis Forum · Ozone-Oxygen-Forum · pH - Alkaline - Acidity Forum · Weight Loss Forum

The pH Miracle

Forget cholesterol counts. Forget calories and fat grams. Forget blood pressure, blood sugar, hormone levels, or any of the other markers of health you're used to at the doctor's office.

It turns out that the single measurement most important to your health is the pH of your blood and tissues - how acidic or alkaline it is. Different areas of the body have different ideal pH levels, but blood pH is the most telling of all. Just as your body temperature is rigidly regulated, the blood must be kept in a very narrow pH range - mildly basic or alkaline.

The body will go to great lengths to preserve that, including wreaking havoc on other tissues or systems.

The pH level of our internal fluids affects every cell in our bodies. The entire metabolic process depends on an alkaline environment. Chronic over acidity corrodes body tissue, and if left unchecked will interrupt all cellular activities and functions, from the beating of your heart to the neutral firing of your brain. In other words, overacidity interferes with life itself.

It is at the root of all sickness and disease.

If that's not enough to get you interested in balacing your body pH naturally, nondestructively, keep this mind: Overacidity is also what's keeping you FAT!

The goal then - and what this program allows you to do - is to create the proper alkaline balance within your body. The way to do that is by eating the proper balance of alkaline and acid foods.

That means 80 percent of your diet must be alkalizing foods, like green vegetables. (That percentage will go down somewhat once you've successfully rebalanced yourself.)

In addition, high quality food supplements will help you achieve and maintain pH balance.
"The pH Miracle" Dr. Robert O. Young and Shelley Redford Young, Warner Books; (May 2002)

Starting January 4th an interactive teleseminar called "pH Miracle Secrets."

ph Miracle Center

more discussion: Forum
· Addiction Forum · Ask the Doctors Forum · Ayurveda Forum · Ayurvedic & Thai Herbs Forum · Colon Cleansing Forum · Dental Forum · Diabetes Forum · Diet Forum · General Cleansing Forum · Hepatitis A, B. C Forum · Integrated Medicine Forum · Live Blood Analysis Forum · Ozone-Oxygen-Forum · pH - Alkaline - Acidity Forum · Weight Loss Forum

Minorities Less Likely to Receive Care at High-Volume Hospitals

(HealthDay News) -- Race matters, at least when it comes to medical care received in big hospitals and Medicare managed-care plans.

Two studies in the Oct. 25 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association found that racial minorities generally received lower quality care than whites or had less access to better care.

According to the first paper, black, Asian and Hispanic patients, as well as uninsured patients, were less likely to undergo complex surgery at high-volume hospitals that specialize in that type of surgery. These hospitals are thought to produce better results because they perform so many of the procedures.

To see who was actually using high-volume hospitals, the authors looked at the characteristics of 719,608 patients who underwent 10 inpatient procedures in California from 2000 to 2004.

The procedures were: elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repair; coronary artery bypass grafting; carotid endarterectomy; esophageal cancer resection; hip fracture repair; lung cancer resection; cardiac valve replacement; coronary angioplasty; pancreatic cancer resection; and total knee replacement.

Overall, nonwhites, Medicaid recipients and uninsured patients were less likely to receive care at high-volume hospitals and more likely to go to low-volume hospitals.

Blacks were "significantly" -- 28 percent to 60 percent -- less likely than whites to receive surgical care at high-volume hospitals for six of the 10 operations. Asians were 9 percent to 40 percent less likely to receive care at high-volume hospitals for five of the procedures, while Hispanics were 12 percent to 54 percent less likely to receive care at high-volume hospitals for nine of the procedures.

Medicaid patients were 34 percent to 78 percent less likely than Medicare patients to receive their surgical care at high-volume hospitals for seven of the operations, while uninsured patients were 19 percent to 80 percent less likely to be treated at high volume hospitals for nine of the surgeries.

Right now, the goal is to send all patients in need of a specific type of procedure to hospitals that routinely perform such procedures and have the best results. But this might not be feasible or equitable. Rather than try to refer nonwhites and Medicaid recipients to high-volume hospitals, "the question becomes how to improve the quality of low-volume hospitals, raise the tide and lift all the boats," said Dr. Clifford Ko, senior author of the study and professor of surgery and director of the center for surgical outcomes and quality at the University of California, Los Angeles.

"There is no single, perfect way to improve quality and, even though we've put a lot of stock into volume, it is not perfect," Ko continued. "We need to find additional ways that hospitals can improve quality."

The second study found that black enrollees in Medicare managed-care plans do less well when it comes to managing conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol, compared to white patients. The study authors looked at 431,573 individual-level observations in 151 Medicare health plans from 2002 to 2004. They were interested in gauging how well the plans performed on key clinical measures -- controlling blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar.

"If people have those measures under control, they're less likely to have heart attacks, strokes and are less likely to die prematurely," said study lead author Dr. Amal N. Trivedi, assistant professor of community health at Brown Medical School in Providence, R.I. "These are very important clinical outcomes." Trivedi started the research while at Harvard Medical School.
"There were large racial disparities in performance in the system as a whole with an absolute gap of 7 percent for blood pressure control all the way up to 14 percent for controlling cholesterol after a heart attack," Trivedi said.

The real question was whether there was any connection between these disparities and the overall quality of the plans. The answer was no, Trivedi said.

"There was basically no connection between the overall quality of the plan and how big its racial disparity, so this isn't an issue that affects just a few low-performing plans," Trivedi said. "We found that it's basically universal among Medicare managed care."

The bottom line is that managed-care plans need to start collecting this information, Trivedi said.

Stephen Thomas is director of the Center for Minority Health at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health. He said, "These articles tell us more of the same. The fundamental question is what are we going to do? What we need now is third generation health disparity research that is focused on solutions. Institutions need to be accountable to implementing solutions."

More information
The Kaiser Family Foundation has more on race, ethnicity and health care.

High-Sugar, Low-Caffeine 'Energy' Drinks Don't Work

FRIDAY, July 21 (HealthDay News) -- People who think sugary drinks are a pick-me-up may be in for a letdown: New research finds sweetened beverages actually boost sleepiness.

"People wishing to alleviate sleepiness through the consumption of a high-sugar, low-caffeine content energy drink -- erroneously believing the 'sugar rush' to be effective -- should avoid drinks that have little or no caffeine," said study co-author Clare Anderson, from the Sleep Research Centre at Loughborough University in the United Kingdom.

"It is caffeine that is particularly effective for alleviating sleepiness, not sugar," she added.
Anderson and her colleague Jim Horne found that, one hour after drinking a high-sugar, low-caffeine drink, people had slower reaction times and experienced more lapses in concentration than if they had consumed a caffeine- and sugar-free beverage.

They reported the findings in the July online edition of Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental.
As Anderson explained, "Many soft drinks contain large amounts of sugar, and previous findings had indicated that such large amounts may improve cognitive performance. However, these effects were almost immediate."

The real question, for Anderson, was whether that quick boost had any longer-term effect beyond the first 15 minutes after the so-called sugar rush disappeared.
To help answer that, she and Horne had 10 healthy adults restrict their sleep to just five hours on the day prior to the trial. Then, 60 minutes after eating a light lunch, these healthy adults were given either a high-sugar, low-caffeine energy drink (42 grams of sugar plus 30 milligrams caffeine) or an identically tasting zero-sugar drink used as a placebo. Forty-two grams of sugar is equal to about 8 teaspoons, Anderson said.

The participants were next asked to complete a 90-minute test during the afternoon low-energy period. The test assessed their level of sleepiness and ability to concentrate.
"Around 70 minutes after consumption, there was a worsening of sleepiness --delayed reaction time, increased lapses in attention -- following the consumption of a high-sugar drink, in comparison to a placebo," Anderson said.

Her conclusion: Highly-sugared drinks without caffeine do not counteract sleepiness beyond perhaps a short sugar rush. In fact, they appear to boost drowsiness.
"These drinks are of little benefit to sleepy people," Anderson said. "Caffeinated drinks, even sugary ones, are much better for counteracting detrimental effects of sleepiness."

One nutrition expert agreed that sugar won't help push energy levels past the initial minutes-long sugar rush, and even caffeine won't help you stay awake beyond a few hours.
"Energy drinks are a misnomer," said Lona Sandon, an assistant professor of clinical nutrition at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas and spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association. "Sure, they provide energy in the form of calories, usually from some form of a simple sugar," she added.

Sandon explained that simple sugars are digested, absorbed and metabolized very quickly, so the energy they contain doesn't last long. "Some energy drinks may have just enough caffeine to stimulate your central nervous system and give you a false sense of feeling energized for a short period of time," Sandon said. "Keep in mind, a dose of caffeine large enough to have an energizing effect -- about 1 regular soda or cup of coffee -- will only last about 3 hours."
According to the Texas expert, there is a more lasting and healthy means of staying fresh: good sleep and a healthful diet.

"To improve a feeling of having energy, start by getting plenty of rest, fluids, and fuel your body with quality nutrients from fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein sources," Sandon said. "A balanced diet, including carbohydrate, fat, and protein, will keep you feeling satisfied longer."

More information
For more on combating sleepiness, head to the U.S. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute.
Last reviewed: 07/21/2006 Last updated: 07/21/2006

Everyday Tips for Living With Hypertension

10 Delicious Ways to Lower High Blood Pressure

The DASH eating plan (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) has been shown to prevent and reduce high blood pressure. It's rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products; moderate in total fat; and low in saturated fat and cholesterol. It's even more effective if you also reduce your salt and sodium intake. If losing weight is a concern in addition to lowering your blood pressure, you can benefit from DASH — especially if you stick to low-fat foods.

Be spicy instead of salty. In cooking and at the table, flavor foods with herbs, spices, lemon, lime, vinegar, or salt-free seasoning blends.
Use fresh poultry, fish, and lean meat, rather than canned, smoked, or processed types.
Eat moderate portions, and when snacking, eat fruit, vegetable sticks, unbuttered and unsalted popcorn, or bread sticks.

Choose "convenience" foods that are lower in sodium. Cut back on frozen dinners, pizza, packaged mixes, canned soups or broths, and salad dressings that are high in sodium.
Start your day with breakfast cereals that are lower in salt and sodium.
Cook rice, pasta, and hot cereals without salt; cut back on instant or flavored rice, pasta, and cereal mixes, which usually have added salt.
Buy fresh, plain frozen, or canned with "no-salt-added" vegetables.
Drink water or club soda instead of soft drinks high in sugar.
When eating out, move the saltshaker away — limit condiments, such as catsup, pickles, and sauces with high salt-containing ingredients.
Cut back on processed and fast foods that are high in salt and sodium.

Source: The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI). The NHLBI does not recommend or endorse any company advertised on this site.

Conquering Heart Disease Using Natural Methods $19.95 [ learn more ] Poor health and degenerative disease are caused by poor choices and the environment you expose yourself to. Good health is attainable, disease is curable and preventable, when we empower ourselves with the correct information and proper knowledge. We then begin making the choices that support our health. You must educate yourself first before starting any health program. This builds self-confidence and belief in what you are doing. This is your body we are talking about. Most people spend hundreds of dollars every month on new shoes, clothes, food, etc. How much do you spend on keeping yourself healthy? Without health, your body will start to deteriorate and age. Look and feel better than ever, just take the time to learn about yourself and read the information below. - E-Book Version.(HD)

I am taking raw garlic with my evening meal.

I am taking raw garlic with my evening meal. It seems garlic can lower blood pressure by 5 to 10%. As mentioned in my previous post, garlic can lower cholesterol 15% which is a plus factor (Using food to control cholesterol). Garlic can also thin blood.A previous post also mentioned kefir, which I take occasionally. Another weapon in the arsenal against high blood.

And cut or reduce smoking, which is not a problem as I don't smoke.And my report card - the last test I had done showed that my diastolic blood pressure was reduced from 90 to 85, which is a good sign. I will have to take the test again soon.



Blood pressure: 120 over 80
Blood sugar: 4.6 mmol/L
Looks like it is working.
Natural Treatments for High Blood Pressure

Cinnamon for Cholesterol, Blood Sugar Control?

Provided by: DrWeil.com

Q: I have been reading that several studies have shown that a daily dose of cinnamon may delay the onset of type II diabetes and help regulate blood sugar levels of existing type II diabetics. I've also heard that taking a half-teaspoon of cinnamon a day can help to lower cholesterol. -- Besty B.

A: Some recent research does suggest that cinnamon may have a beneficial effect on blood sugar and may also help lower cholesterol, but the study in question was small and its findings need to be confirmed before we can start recommending cinnamon to patients.

The news about cinnamon's effect on blood sugar and cholesterol came from a small study in Pakistan. Results were published in the December 2003 issue of Diabetes Care. The study ran for only 40 days and included 60 patients with type 2 diabetes. It showed that one, three or six grams of cinnamon daily, divided into two doses (that amounts to between a quarter of a teaspoon to 1 teaspoon a day), lowered fasting glucose by 18 to 29 percent, triglycerides by 23 to 30 percent, LDL cholesterol by 7 to 27 percent, and total cholesterol by 12 to 26 percent.

Cinnamon's effect on blood sugar is believed to be due to a proanthocyanidin, an active ingredient that increases sensitivity of receptors to insulin.

A word of caution: cinnamon in large doses may be toxic, so don't assume that if the relatively small amounts used in the study help, larger amounts will work better. There's also the possibility that adding cinnamon to your diet will change the dose of medication you need, so you should monitor your blood sugar carefully.

As for cholesterol control, the effects seen in the Pakistani study don't equal those of better-studied statin drugs. So if your cholesterol is high and you're taking a statin, don't assume that you can substitute cinnamon. The results of the Pakistani study are very interesting, but we need to know more. In the meantime, there's no harm in sprinkling cinnamon on your oatmeal or using it in cooking.
Andrew Weil, MD

Is It Dangerous to Combine Supplements and Drugs?

Is It Dangerous to Combine Supplements and Drugs? Provided by: DrWeil.com

Q: I'm curious about interactions between herbs and drugs. Are there many that we should worry about? -- Nicole S.

A: For the most part, I think warnings about interactions between herbs and drugs are overstated. For example, a few years ago the American Society of Anesthesiologists warned that certain herbs and supplements could pose a hazard to patients undergoing surgery.

The group claimed that several herbs have anti-blood-clotting activity and conceivably could interfere with clotting during and after surgery. St. John's wort was also singled out in 2003 as an agent that could diminish the effectiveness of certain drugs because of its effect on enzyme systems involved in drug metabolism. (Many pharmaceutical drugs have the same effect.)

In general, I think you're pretty safe taking most supplements, but you certainly should tell your doctor about anything you're taking regularly, particularly if you're also taking either prescription or over-the-counter drugs. Here's a quick rundown of some commonly used supplements and drugs that could interact to your detriment:

St. John's wort: May affect metabolism of antidepressants; HIV protease inhibitors used to treat HIV/AIDS; digoxin, a heart medication; theophylline, used to treat asthma; cyclosporine, an immunosuppressant; chemotherapy; birth control pills (it may reduce their effectiveness); the blood pressure and heart disease medications nifedipine and diltiazem; Coumadin, a blood-thinner; and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors for HIV/AIDS treatment.

Co-enzyme Q10, dong quai, feverfew, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, ginseng, vitamin E and St. John's wort: May increase the risk of bleeding if you're taking prescription anticoagulants such as Coumadin.

Echinacea: May increase levels of HIV protease inhibitors used to treat HIV/AIDS, calcium channel blockers used to treat high blood pressure, and anti-anxiety drugs.

Capsicum (red pepper, cayenne pepper): May increase the absorption and effect of ACE inhibitors used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure and kidney disease; theophylline (for asthma); sedatives; and antidepressants.

Garlic: May decrease the effectiveness of immunosuppressant drugs and HIV protease inhibitors. It also may reduce the need for insulin among diabetics (by lowering blood sugar).
Ginkgo: May increase the amount of antidepressant drugs in your blood; may cause seizures when combined with anti-psychotic drugs.

Ginseng: Can cause headache, trembling and manic behavior when combined with the antidepressant Nardil; may interfere with the action of the heart medication digoxin; may reduce blood sugar levels in people with Type II diabetes, thus affecting the need for insulin or other medication for diabetes.
Andrew Weil, MD

more discussion: Forum
· Addiction Forum · Ask the Doctors Forum · Ayurveda Forum · Ayurvedic & Thai Herbs Forum · Colon Cleansing Forum · Dental Forum · Diabetes Forum · Diet Forum · General Cleansing Forum · Hepatitis A, B. C Forum · Integrated Medicine Forum · Live Blood Analysis Forum · Ozone-Oxygen-Forum · pH - Alkaline - Acidity Forum · Weight Loss Forum

Avoid Fruit with Diabetes?

Avoid Fruit with Diabetes?
Provided by: DrWeil.com

Q: My sister says you should eat very little fruit if you have diabetes, and that eating too much will raise your blood-sugar level. I say fruit is a natural source of sugar and yet you don't want to overdo it. What do you think about eating fruit if you have diabetes? -- Shekey

A: Fruits provide us with health-enhancing vitamins and phytochemicals as well as fiber, all important components of our diets, and there is no reason why people with diabetes should forego these benefits.

However, you may have to be careful about the fruits you choose, how often you eat them and when you eat them. If you take a look at the glycemic index (GI), a measure of how fast carbohydrate foods (which include fruits) are converted in the body to blood glucose, you'll see that there are big differences between fruits. I recommend choosing fruits that rank low on the glycemic index. Low rankings are those that score below 55, intermediate-GI foods score between 55 and 70 and high GI foods score above 70.

For example, some good fruit choices would include an average-sized apple that scores 38; cherries, which score 22; grapefruit (25); an average-sized orange (44); an average-sized pear (38); a plum (39). Intermediate GI fruits include banana (55); cantaloupe (65); mango (55); papaya (58); pineapple (66).

High GI fruits include dried dates (103); and canned fruit cocktail (79). How quickly fruit will raise your blood sugar depends on such considerations as whether you eat the fruit after a high-fat meal or drink it as a glass of fruit juice on an empty stomach. You'll also want to consider what your blood-sugar level is when you eat the fruit.

If you're monitoring your blood glucose, you should be able to figure out how it responds to eating fruit. It is also important to pay attention to the size of the fruit you eat -- choose a small or medium-sized apple over a large one (or eat only half of the large one). A quick and easy measure of the right serving size of fruit is the amount that can comfortably fit in the palm of your hand. Anything bigger than that is too large.

The question is not whether or not you should eat fruit but rather how much and what kinds of fruit you should be eating. A little experimentation can go a long way.
Andrew Weil, MD

Combating Cravings?

Combating Cravings?
Provided by: DrWeil.com

Q: I've been able to give up meat, dairy, even smoking cigarettes, but sugar is the one that gets away. What can I do to curb my cravings? Why do some people have a sweet tooth and others don't? -- Connie A: I don't know why some people have a sweet tooth while others can resist sugary snacks. Part of the problem may be that sweets are often given to us as treats when we're young, developing our taste for sugar and associating sweets with rewards. In some people, sugar has an effect on mood, which is another factor that may underlie cravings. Eating sweets can increase levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which can help you relax, suggesting that some cravings are stress-related. In fact, researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, reported in 2003 that chronic stress may explain why some people crave comfort foods. In studies with rats, the researchers found that chronic stress prompted the animals to engage in pleasure-seeking activities, including eating high-energy foods (in the rats' case, sucrose and lard). The study was published in the Sept. 30, 2003 issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
You can try a number of different strategies to try to overcome your sugar craving:
Try to satisfy your cravings with fruits that falls low on the glycemic index (berries, cherries, apples, pears), which are healthier than other sources of sugar and give you the added benefit of fiber.
Experiment with the Chinese strategy of eating more bitter foods to balance your craving for sweets (curly endive, radicchio, cooked greens, some olives, etc.)
Try the Ayurvedic herb gurmar (Gymnema sylvestre). Known as the "destroyer of sugar" gurmar is reputed to slow both the absorption of sugar into the blood stream and the conversion of sugar into fat. It also may help curb your appetite for sweets.
Working with a hypnotherapist in an effort to reduce your sugar cravings might be helpful.
Practice breathing techniques, progressive relaxation and exercise as a means of reducing the chronic stress that may underlie your cravings.
Andrew Weil, MD

Nutrition for Kids with Allergies or Asthma?

Nutrition for Kids with Allergies or Asthma?
Provided by: DrWeil.com

Q: I recently learned about a nutritional supplement called OPC-3 which is supposed to have benefits for people with allergies and asthma. What are your thoughts about adding this to my two-year old child's diet? -- Raye

A: OPC stands for oligomeric proanthocyanidins, a group of powerful antioxidant compounds. They are commonly found in grape seed extract, which in lab and animal studies has been shown to make blood vessels more elastic and less likely to leak fluids, thus decreasing the leg swelling often associated with varicose veins. OPC-3, a product containing these compounds, is being widely promoted on the Internet as a treatment for diseases associated with free radical damage. However, I have seen no studies suggesting that OPC is an effective treatment for allergies or asthma.

(Grape seed extract is commonly prescribed in France for varicose veins and other vascular problems. I generally recommend it along with horse-chestnut seed extract [HCSE], a more extensively studied treatment for these conditions.)

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by repeated episodes of airway obstruction and associated with an exaggerated airway response to a variety of inhaled stimuli. Although the cause is unknown, such factors as allergies, increased stress, respiratory infections, and exercise can worsen asthma. It can also occur without any obvious triggers.

Allergies are due to "misplaced immunity" against something that really is not a threat to health. Allergic responses are also learned responses that can be unlearned. The goal of treatment should be to convince the immune system that it can coexist peacefully with the substances it is reacting to. In young children, it is important to try to limit exposure to potential irritants of the immune system.

Instead of trying products like OPC-3, my principal recommendation for patients with asthma and allergies (or both) would be to follow an anti-inflammatory diet. Increase organic fruits and vegetables, and stay hydrated with lots of water. Avoid processed foods, partially hydrogenated oils, white sugar, and flour. I also recommend using standard medical treatment selectively and trying to avoid suppressive medications (such as oral steroids) as much as possible. Use mind-body medicine such as guided imagery or clinical hypnosis and experiment with homeopathy as well since children respond favorably to this form of treatment.

Andrew Weil, MD
Last Reviewed: May 2005

Fructose: The Stealth Sugar

I've warned you about curbing your consumption of sugary fruit drinks, sports drinks and carbonated soft drinks for good reason: Sweet drinks represent the leading source of calories in America, and the engine that fuels the obesity epidemic.

New research from the University of Florida has determined why fructose -- the key sweetener contained in sugary drinks and other processed foods that comes from corn syrup, honey and fruit -- can be so health-harming. Fructose fools your body by making you perceive you're hungrier than you really are...

In studies on rats, scientists found fructose contributed to a rise in uric acid levels in the blood which blocks how insulin works in your body to regulate sugar. After 10 weeks on a high-fructose diet, every rat in the study had increased levels of uric acid and eventually developed a resistance to insulin. Lowering uric acid levels, however, reversed that damage.

One of the best and easiest way to turn your health around is to stop drinking liquid candy in all forms and switch to pure water.

One thing to keep in mind: The starch-derived (corn) fructose used to sweeten soft drinks and all kinds of processed foods is refined, man-made and metabolically different than the natural kind already in fruit. That's why your body converts the starch-derived fructose in processed foods to brown adipose tissue and trigylcerides that contribute to diabetes, hypoglycemia, obesity and cardiovascular disease.

On the other hand, fruit fructose, along with all the nutrients, vitamins, minerals, water, other mono-, di- and olgio-saccharides and fiber found in fruit, are converted to blood glucose.
Yahoo News December 15, 2005
American Journal of Physiology: Renal Physiology October 18, 2005

Integrated Medicine Forum http://www.DrEddyClinic.com/
http://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=1

A Daisy Extract Can Tame Your Migraines

A few months ago, I told you about feverfew, the daisy-like plant that may be a natural source for a chemical that can kill human leukemia stem cells. A new study has confirmed the efficacy of another of feverfew's many uses: Treating migraines.

Although similar research using other formulations of feverfew extract hasn't been so successful, scientists treated 170 migraine patients with MIG-99, a stable feverfew extract, or a placebo three times daily.

Prior to the start of the study, patients suffered five attacks every four weeks. Those who were treated with MIG-99 experienced two fewer migraines per month and, based on more analysis of responder rates, researchers found the extract to be in excess of three times more effective than a placebo.

Another aspect of migraines: They can be triggered by a food-based reaction to wheat, dairy products, sugar, artificial preservatives and other chemicals. Your best defense may be to eliminate those foods, and retool your diet based on your body's unique metabolic type.

You may also want to consider learning the Emotional Freedom Technique, the non-invasive energy psychology I use in my practice daily to tame your migraines.

Cephalalgia, Vol. 25, No. 11, November 2005: 1031
Yahoo News November 29, 2005

more discussion: Forum
· Addiction Forum · Ask the Doctors Forum · Ayurveda Forum · Ayurvedic & Thai Herbs Forum · Colon Cleansing Forum · Dental Forum · Diabetes Forum · Diet Forum · General Cleansing Forum · Hepatitis A, B. C Forum · Integrated Medicine Forum · Live Blood Analysis Forum · Ozone-Oxygen-Forum · pH - Alkaline - Acidity Forum · Weight Loss Forum

Osteoporosis: A Deadlier Risk Factor For Coronary Disease

Here's one more reason you should optimize your health with exercise and diet to prevent osteoporosis: Patients who suffer from that painful, bone-thinning disease have an increased risk for coronary artery disease (CAD).

After testing more than 200 men and women over the course of a year, Michigan researchers found more than half of their patients had clear signs of CAD. The difference from previous studies: Patients were catheterized, allowing scientists to get a far better read on any blockages.

What's more, osteoporosis patients were six times more prone to have coronary disease than those who didn't. In fact, folks, osteoporosis was a stronger indicator of coronary heart disease than a family history of the disease, high blood sugar levels or elevated blood pressure.

Besides diet and exercise, getting the right amount of vitamin D is another natural weapon at your disposal to prevent osteoporosis and fight diseases like Parkinson's.

Yahoo News November 24, 2005

American Journal of Cardiology, Vol. 96, No. 8, October 15, 2005: 1059-1063