Health Tip: Reduce Pesticide Exposure

(HealthDay News) -- Pesticides can help keep your home free of insects, rodents and other unwanted visitors, but exposure to these products can pose serious health risks.

The National Safety Council offers these suggestions when working with pesticides:

• Only use pesticides that have been legally purchased, and are approved by the U.S.


• Environmental Protection Agency or similar government agency.


• Carefully read directions on the pesticide label, and follow them exactly.


• When you can, use non-chemical pesticides.


• Keep the work area well-ventilated.


• Make sure you safely dispose of any excess product.

More informations here:

• Live_blood Analysis
• Live_Blood_Analysis Darkfield Microscopy Courses
• dark field microscopy
• pleomorphism
• Günther Enderlein

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When We’re All Fat, What Does the Ranking Matter?

By Sean Kelley

Whenever a list comes out that ranks my state close to the bottom for something good (or close to the top for something bad), we Alabamans like to look west and say, “Thank God for Mississippi.” The Magnolia state tends to be one or two slots below us on everything from education rankings to per capita earnings. And last week they surpassed us in obesity.

The Centers for Disease Control reported July 17 that three southern states had rates of obesity greater than 30%. By merely a point or two, Mississippi was chunkier than Alabama and Tennessee. Thank God for Mississippi. It’s held the top spot in the CDC’s ranking (based on telephone surveys of 350,000 Americans) since 2004. Read More

Don't Take a Vacation From Healthy Eating

(HealthDay News) -- Even though it's summertime, children shouldn't be allowed to take a vacation from healthy eating habits, advises Dr. Sarah Armstrong, a pediatrician at Duke University Medical Center.

"Routines go haywire, and with nothing to do after a few days in the pool, kids head straight for the refrigerator or snack bar, because they think they're hungry, when they're actually just bored," Armstrong said in a university news release.

Add in things like regular servings of ice cream to beat the heat, hot dogs at the ball park, and funnel cake at the fair, and you have a summer-long binge of bad eating that can lead to weight gain.

Armstrong offered parents a number of ways to prevent their children from packing on excess pounds this summer.

Make sure kids get enough sleep. Research shows that late nights and sleeping in are known risk factors for weight gain. "When kids stay up late, they are more likely to watch TV and snack on dense, low-nutrient foods," Armstrong said.

In addition, a shorter night's sleep limits the body's production of leptin, a hormone that promotes satiety. Lower levels of leptin mean children wake up feeling more hungry and are quicker to grab high-carbohydrate, calorie-rich foods.

When children wake up, encourage them to eat healthy breakfasts that include things such as fruit smoothies, high fiber cereal or a peanut butter and jelly sandwich on whole wheat bread.

Take a holiday from fast foods. Instead of going to a burger joint, pack a picnic with healthy foods such as turkey sandwiches and salads and go to the park or beach. Armstrong said it's important to "incorporate protein in every meal. It releases relases insulin at a slower rate, and that keeps your blood sugars -- and your energy level -- constant throughout the day."

Parents should check out the menu at their child's summer camp. If the meals and snacks aren't acceptable, pack your child a healthy lunch that includes things such as lean lunch meats, raw vegetables and whole wheat crackers.

During the summer, parents also need to limit their children's consumption of sweets and make sure kids are active.

More information
The Nemours Foundation has more about children and healthy eating.

Balancing Your Hormones Without Drugs... You Can Feel Good Again $19.95 [ learn more ] Hormone imbalance can be reversed! Look and feel better than ever, just take the time to learn about yourself and read the information contained in this just released e-book about reversing hormone imbalance. Are you ready to finally look and feel great? If so... read on... - E-Book Version.(BH)

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.

Back Pain Constipation

Defining Constipation

Constipation is a term used to describe infrequent bowel movements and affects many people every year.

However, surpassed only by cold and flu symptoms as “motivators,” having a sore back is the second most common reason people visit their doctors.

While the most obvious symptom of constipation is difficulty in having regular bowel movements, another prevalent symptom is back pain.

Most of us will experience some sort of pain or discomfort in our backs at some point in our lives, and constipation could be the cause.

Structure and Function of the Back

The back has many muscles attached to, intersecting, or covering the spine. The spine itself is made up of an elongated, curved stack of bones called vertebrae. These vertebrae are basically round and between each of them is a special disc.

These discs are composed of rubber-like tissue and provide flexibility of the spine. Without this flexibility, we wouldn’t be able to bend over, twist, sit, or walk. However, we wouldn’t want to be as flexible as a snake either. Along with the discs, we have strong ligaments spanning from vertebrae to vertebrae for more support.

The spine also has the critical job of protecting the spinal cord, which sends messages back and forth to the body and the brain, so we can see the logic of having spinal “armor” shielding it.

It’s no wonder people end up with sore back muscles, “slipped discs,” and other lower back problems because we have so many different parts to twist, pull, tear, and strain!

Back pain can be caused by lifting something too heavy, twisting too suddenly, or even sleeping in an awkward position and it can even be related to something unusual like constipation. The lower back also feels impact from walking, running, and many other everyday motions.

Constipation only worsens the situation as the lower back feels greater strain when natural movement is obstructed or hindered by an over-full or impacted colon.

Incredibly, even children can experience back pain constipation. You see—constipation is really just the body not getting rid of waste often enough. If waste remains in the colon too long, the body can reabsorb the water and thus the stool becomes too dry.

If a child is trying to pass a stool that is hard, dry, or very large, they have to strain to manipulate the intestinal muscles. As a result, they may experience lower back pain from all that extra effort. Children may experience additional pain in the anus from it getting stretched open for the large, dry stool to get pushed out.

When to See a Doctor

People with severe or chronic constipation can also develop a condition known as fecal impaction. This occurs when the rectum is blocked by a hardened bowel movement and it can lead to back pain and cramps, bloating, and even feelings of lethargy from the waste remaining inside the body too long.

Most people endure these types of problems without realizing a solution can be obtained; they find ways to work around any lower back pain they might be experiencing and just trudge along with the added difficulty. Nonetheless, it can be a sign that something else is wrong. If you have any of the following symptoms, consult a qualified physician:

The pain is constant and doesn’t improve by resting your back or lying down.
The pain developed suddenly and you are under 20 years old or over 55 years old.
The pain travels up the back and into the chest area.
The pain came on slowly and gradually became worse (most back pain comes on quickly from some injury or stress).

Recurrent nausea or loss of appetite affects your normal diet patterns.
You experience weakness or numbness in your legs or feet or any part of your buttock region.
You are also experiencing problems with your bladder or bowel function.

Of course, if you’re experiencing back pain constipation, once you begin having regular bowel movements again the pain should subside. But what if you’ve had back pain recently, and it feels better now, yet you are still constipated? Surprisingly, back pain constipation can also be related to medications you're taking such as painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs.

Medications and Constipation

Stronger painkillers, like Codeine, have a tendency to constipate, as do non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Here are some medications or drugs you may not recognize as potential causes of constipation:

Antacids containing aluminum hydroxide
Anti-depressants
Anti-diarrhea products
Anti-spasmodic drugs
Diuretics
Medications for Parkinson’s disease
Iron supplements
Calcium channel blockers (high blood pressure treatments)
Decongestants and anti-histamines
Pain Relief

Helpful Hints for Reducing Back Pain Constipation

Some people are surprised to learn constipation could be causing lower back pain, but the truth is—constipation can cause all sorts of aches, pains, and general malaise. Abdominal pain pain and nausea are common symptoms, as well as a loss of appetite.

If there is fecal impaction associated with your back pain constipation, it can cause rectal cramps. Fecal impaction may occur in the elderly; and because liquid stool tends to ooze out around blockages, it can often be mistaken for diarrhea.

If you are suffering from the discomfort of back pain constipation here are some resolutions you can try:

Dehydration can be a major cause of back pain constipation. Drink lots of water, or hot teas and broths.

Begin exercising more. Easy, relaxed swimming or walking are excellent choices.

Cut back on eating refined foods and get back to the healthful basics such as fresh fruits and green, leafy vegetables.

Raise your feet with a footstool when you are sitting on the toilet. It puts the bowel at a better angle for passing the stool more easily.

Try using a natural oxygen-based intestinal cleanser, like Oxy-Powder®.

Take the time to thoroughly research your sleeping conditions. Invest in not just an “okay” bed but the best one you can afford. Getting a great night’s rest is critical to keeping the body in proper working order.

Back pain constipation is a detriment to health we may all have to face someday. If you find it’s happening more often, it's probably a good time to change your routine.

Focus on exercises strengthening both stomach and back muscles such as good old-fashioned sit-ups, rowing, back extensions, leg lifts, or the afore-mentioned aquatic activities. Be aware of potential side effects from any medication you are taking. Make sure you're sleeping well on a comfortable mattress;

some people prefer firmer and some prefer softer, but everyone should feel refreshed in the morning. And, perhaps most beneficial, begin eating a healthful, well-balanced diet with plenty of fruit, whole grains (for fiber), and vegetables.

Back pain constipation can be a debilitating, painful condition but can be alleviated with a little common sense and preventative measures. Be good to your back—it’s really the foundation of a body’s strength and must be maintained for overall good health.

more info at: oxypowder

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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

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Trendy Hormone Treatments No Passage to Graceful Aging

(HealthDay News) -- Forget the fountain of youth, at least for now, and at least in the form of hormone supplements.

Neither DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) nor low-dose testosterone replacement had any beneficial effect in elderly people, including quality of life, new research has found.

"I don't find any reason for older people to take DHEA based on this study and no reason to do any extensive studies on it," said study author Dr. K. Sreekumaran Nair, a professor of medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. His report is published in the Oct. 19 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

Others, however, feel differently.

"This particular study is a small study, and it's only over two years, so I don't think it's the end of the story. We have to wait for more," said Dr. Barbara Paris, vice chairwoman of medicine and director of geriatrics at Maimonides Medical Center in New York City.

That being said, Paris also warned that people need to be careful of taking DHEA, in particular, as it is sold as a dietary supplement without need of a prescription.

"You don't know what you're getting with the pill," she said. "I don't think they're benign even though they're available without a prescription."

Both DHEA and testosterone have become celebrity hormones and are widely touted as anti-aging remedies. Best-selling author Gail Sheehy (Passages) profiled DHEA as a possible anti-aging miracle in Vanity Fair in 1996.

In 2002, however, gerontology experts issued a statement essentially calling supplements such as DHEA a waste of money.

The idea is simple: Because levels of growth hormones decline starting at about age 30, researchers have speculated that hormone replacement would have a slowing effect on aging.

Long-living humans are also known to have relatively high levels of DHEA, but the bulk of research has been done in animals, and it's unclear how the findings might apply to humans.
The new study reports on a two-year-long, randomized, double-blind study involving 87 elderly men with low levels of DHEA and testosterone and 57 elderly women with low levels of DHEA. All participants had to be at least 60 years of age.

The men were randomly assigned to receive DHEA, testosterone or a placebo. The women were randomly assigned to receive either DHEA or a placebo.

Although DHEA and testosterone levels were increased to what would be considered the "high normal" range for young people, there were no appreciable changes in volume of oxygen consumed per minute, muscle strength, sensitivity to insulin or quality of life, the study reported. There were no major adverse effects, either.

Men receiving testosterone had a small increase in fat-free mass, and men receiving either testosterone or DHEA had an increase in bone mineral density at the femoral neck. Women taking DHEA had an increase in bone mineral density at the wrist but nowhere else.

Wrist bone mineral density is probably less important than other locations. "If you break your wrist, it's not the end of the world," Paris said. "The real concern in an 80-year-old is breaking your hip. That can be a death sentence, so even if I take a supplement and I don't get a wrist fracture, that's not really so significant."

Another problem, said Dr. Bernard Roos, director of the geriatric institute at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, is that "nobody's ever found that DHEA ever did anything that wasn't a secondary effect of either testosterone or estrogen." But, even here, the results can be highly variable. "It's unpredictable because different people convert DHEA to active hormones differently. It's almost like going to a lottery," Roos added.

In any event, experts called for more of this kind of study on anti-aging products in general.
"There are a lot of people who are buying and selling products under the banner of anti-aging medicine, and prematurely, because they haven't been evaluated in any style," said S. Jay Olshansky, professor of public health at the University of Illinois and senior research scientist at the Center on Aging at the University of Chicago. "It's important that clinical trials be done and that they make these kinds of assessments," he said.

More information
To learn more, visit the U.S. National Institute on Aging.

Medicare Drug Benefit Won't Help All Equally

(HealthDay News) -- Although the new Medicare drug benefit is likely to result in small savings for most seniors, these savings aren't likely to be divided equitably among all groups, a new study finds.
The most vulnerable seniors, namely blacks, Hispanics, low-income seniors and seniors with chronic disease, still face sizable out-of-pocket costs, according to the study that appears in the January/February issue of Health Affairs.
"Although people are going to save money on average out-of-pocket costs, the benefit is not ideally structured to help people with chronic diseases," said study author Dr. Walid Gellad, a research fellow and internist in general medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. "In general, the benefits are not going to be equally distributed."
"Most experts would say these findings are predictable," added Robert M. Hayes, president of the Medicare Rights Center in New York City. "Fundamentally, when we have a for-profit insurance industry administering a benefit, of course sicker people will be paying more and more because they cost more, but also because the insurance companies have every financial incentive to find customers who don't need expensive medications. Some refer to it as a 'sick tax.' If you need the benefit, it'll help you the least."
Ironically, the study appears alongside another study in the journal that reports overall prescription drug cost growth is actually slowing.
Medicare Part D, a prescription drug benefit created to ease the financial burden of soaring drug costs for America's seniors, became effective Jan. 1. The plan works with private plans to supplement drug costs.
So far, the plan seems to have gotten off to an uneven start. The Los Angeles Times reported recently that one man spent 15 1/2 hours trying to get through to his mother's insurer on the phone. And Hayes said he's considering bringing in a psychologist to help his young staffers who are getting calls from people they can't help. "They're so upset," he said. "My education director just asked if we could bring in secondary trauma counseling."
While much research has focused on the low-income segment of the population that is eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, those who are not eligible for such subsidies are often left out of analyses, Gellad said.
Gellad and his colleagues analyzed out-of-pocket drug spending for seniors over the age of 65 who were not eligible for additional subsidies and who did not have prescription coverage through their employers. Within this group, the study authors focused on the "most vulnerable" groups, including ethnic and racial minorities, the "near poor" and those with three or more chronic health conditions.
Overall, the study found that seniors will save $478 under the new drug benefit, but these savings are not divided equally. Blacks stand to save 26.9 percent of their current out-of-pocket costs, Hispanics 23.3 percent and whites 34.3 percent. Blacks and Hispanics will save an estimated $237 less annually than whites, the study concluded.
"Blacks and Hispanics are going to save, but they will save less than whites both in absolute dollars and as a percent of their current out-of-pocket costs," Gellad said.
The near poor, or seniors with incomes below $21,450 who don't qualify for subsidies, will save $525 annually on average. "It's a decent amount of money but they still have $957 in out-of-pocket costs, which is still a lot when you consider their income," Gellad pointed out.
More than one-third (35 percent) of people with three or more chronic conditions will have total costs that fall into the so-called "donut hole," the gap in coverage resulting from the deductible and benefit structure. This means they may end up paying 100 percent of the cost of any new medications, the study concluded.
Should people with employer-sponsored coverage join the Medicare drug benefit, they will end up paying $123 more in out-of-pocket costs, the study found.
"Dually eligible people are going to have great savings but no one seems to talk about these other people," Gellad said. "Do we need to expand subsidies to include these people who are still poor, and are still going to have trouble with medicines?"
Despite the continuing individual burden of health-care costs, another study in the same issue of the journal found a slowing in U.S. health spending in 2004, to its lowest level in four years.
This decline was aided largely by a decline in prescription drug spending, the study found.
National health-care spending grew 7.9 percent in 2004, down from 8.2 percent in 2003, while growth of drug spending slowed to single digits (8.2 percent) for the first time in a decade.
Despite this modest good news, U.S. health spending is still huge, at $1.87 trillion in 2004, according to the report, which was prepared by economists from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This amounted to $6,280 per person. That total spending figure is nearly twice that of a decade ago.
"There's never going to be a rational expenditure of U.S. health dollars until we get something like a Medicare for America program going," Hayes said. "We will continue to waste billions and billons of dollars unless we have a rational health-care system and, at this point, there's no system at all."
More information
Visit Medicare for more on the new prescription drug benefit.

Definitions of types of complementary and alternative therapies

Definitions of types of complementary and alternative therapies
Here is a definition of the types of the most common complementary and alternative therapies

Acupuncture
("AK-yoo-pungk-cher") is a method of healing developed in China at least 2,000 years ago. Today, acupuncture describes a family of procedures involving stimulation of anatomical points on the body by a variety of techniques. American practices of acupuncture incorporate medical traditions from China, Japan, Korea, and other countries. The acupuncture technique that has been most studied scientifically involves penetrating the skin with thin, solid, metallic needles that are manipulated by the hands or by electrical stimulation.

Aromatherapy
("ah-roam-uh-THER-ah-py"): involves the use of essential oils (extracts or essences) from flowers, herbs, and trees to promote health and well-being. >

Ayurveda
("ah-yur-VAY-dah") is a CAM alternative medical system that has been practiced primarily in the Indian subcontinent for 5,000 years. Ayurveda includes diet and herbal remedies and emphasizes the use of body, mind, and spirit in disease prevention and treatment.

Chiropractic
("kie-roh-PRAC-tic") is a CAM alternative medical system. It focuses on the relationship between bodily structure (primarily that of the spine) and function, and how that relationship affects the preservation and restoration of health. Chiropractors use manipulative therapy as an integral treatment tool. Dietary supplements. Congress defined the term "dietary supplement" in the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994. A dietary supplement is a product (other than tobacco) taken by mouth that contains a "dietary ingredient" intended to supplement the diet. Dietary ingredients may include vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, and substances such as enzymes, organ tissues, and metabolites. Dietary supplements come in many forms, including extracts, concentrates, tablets, capsules, gel caps, liquids, and powders. They have special requirements for labeling. Under DSHEA, dietary supplements are considered foods, not drugs.

Electromagnetic fields
(EMFs, also called electric and magnetic fields) are invisible lines of force that surround all electrical devices. The Earth also produces EMFs; electric fields are produced when there is thunderstorm activity, and magnetic fields are believed to be produced by electric currents flowing at the Earth's core.

Homeopathic
("home-ee-oh-PATH-ic") medicine is a CAM alternative medical system. In homeopathic medicine, there is a belief that "like cures like," meaning that small, highly diluted quantities of medicinal substances are given to cure symptoms, when the same substances given at higher or more concentrated doses would actually cause those symptoms.

Massage
("muh-SAHJ") therapists manipulate muscle and connective tissue to enhance function of those tissues and promote relaxation and well-being.

Naturopathic
("nay-chur-o-PATH-ic") medicine, or naturopathy, is a CAM alternative medical system. Naturopathic medicine proposes that there is a healing power in the body that establishes, maintains, and restores health. Practitioners work with the patient with a goal of supporting this power, through treatments such as nutrition and lifestyle counseling, dietary supplements, medicinal plants, exercise, homeopathy, and treatments from traditional Chinese medicine.

Osteopathic
("ahs-tee-oh-PATH-ic") medicine is a form of conventional medicine that, in part, emphasizes diseases arising in the musculoskeletal system. There is an underlying belief that all of the body's systems work together, and disturbances in one system may affect function elsewhere in the body. Some osteopathic physicians practice osteopathic manipulation, a full-body system of hands-on techniques to alleviate pain, restore function, and promote health and well-being.

Qi gong
("chee-GUNG") is a component of traditional Chinese medicine that combines movement, meditation, and regulation of breathing to enhance the flow of qi (an ancient term given to what is believed to be vital energy) in the body, improve blood circulation, and enhance immune function.

Reiki
("RAY-kee") is a Japanese word representing Universal Life Energy. Reiki is based on the belief that when spiritual energy is channeled through a Reiki practitioner, the patient's spirit is healed, which in turn heals the physical body.Therapeutic TouchThis is derived from an ancient technique called laying-on of hands. It is based on the premise that it is the healing force of the therapist that affects the patient's recovery; healing is promoted when the body's energies are in balance; and, by passing their hands over the patient, healers can identify energy imbalances.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)
This is the current name for an ancient system of health care from China. TCM is based on a concept of balanced qi (pronounced "chee"), or vital energy, that is believed to flow throughout the body. Qi is proposed to regulate a person's spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical balance and to be influenced by the opposing forces of yin (negative energy) and yang (positive energy). Disease is proposed to result from the flow of qi being disrupted and yin and yang becoming imbalanced. Among the components of TCM are herbal and nutritional therapy, restorative physical exercises, meditation, acupuncture, and remedial massage.

NCCAM, National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, Maryland 20892 USA
E-mail: info@nccam.nih.gov

B Vitamin Shows Potential in Cancer Prevention

Folic acid supplements may prevent cancer progression and promote regression of disease, according to a new study.
Published in a recent issue of CANCER, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society, the small study found that 31 of 43 patients with the precancerous laryngeal lesion called leucoplakia demonstrated 50% or greater reduction in the lesion size after six months of taking folate supplements. In 12 of 31 responders, there was no evidence of the original lesion. Folate levels in the patients' blood also increased significantly from baseline while homocysteine levels decreased significantly. This study provides data to support the hypothesis that folate insufficiency is a risk factor for cancer progression.
Folate deficiency is the most common vitamin deficiency in the United States. Folate is a naturally occurring B vitamin (B-9) found abundantly in fresh vegetables and fruits. Folic acid is its more stable synthetic form found in dietary supplements and fortified foods. At the biochemical level, folate is incorporated into coenzymes that are essential in facilitating a variety of reactions in nucleic acid and amino acids metabolism. Some of which are critical to healthy life, such as DNA synthesis, DNA repair, and converting homocysteine to methionine. The latter is particularly important because excess homocysteine is linked to chronic health problems, such as cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Animal and human studies have increasingly demonstrated associations between folate deficiency, serum homocysteine elevations, and a variety of cancers. Some studies have suggested folate supplementation or at least a high folate dietary intake may protect against some cancers. This body of evidence suggests folate to be an effective chemopreventive drug. Other chemopreventive drugs are being tested, and while the retinoids demonstrate the most promise, they are highly toxic. Giovanni Almadori, MD of the Institute of Otolaryngology, Universit & #224; Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Policlinico A. Gemelli in Rome, Italy and colleagues investigated the efficacy of folic acid dietary supplementation to treat precancerous lesion and prevent cancer.
The investigators enrolled 43 patients with untreated laryngeal leucoplakia and treated them with folic acid (5mg three times a day) and evaluated the progression of leucoplakia every 30 days for six months.
Over six months of treatment, 12 patients (28%) had complete resolution of their leucoplakia lesions; 19 patients (44%) had reduction of 50% or more in the size of their lesions and 12 patients (28%) had no response. Mean folate levels increased and mean homocysteine levels decreased significantly. There were no moderate or severe adverse events reported.
Comparison to another promising chemopreventive drug regimen that includes a retinoid, "our complete response rate is lower than the one reported in a smaller population," the authors write. Nevertheless, folate "is characterized by a lower grade of toxicity," and there was no progression of disease.
These results suggest, according to the researchers, "folate supplementation, alone or in combination with other chemopreventive drugs, could effectively reduce the risk of progression in an already genetically altered mucosa, especially in patients with hypofolatemia." This article was prepared by Clinical Oncology Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2006, Clinical Oncology Week via NewsRx.com.
To see more of the NewsRx.com, or to subscribe, go to http://www.newsrx.com.
Date: June 30, 2006© 2004 NewsRx.com. All Rights Reserved.;;©Copyright 2006, Clinical Oncology Week via NewsRx.com

Gastric-Reflux Drugs Reduce Vitamin Levels

The Study: Researchers measured vitamin C blood levels in 29 patients before and after taking 40 mg of Prilosec (omeprazole) daily for 28 days. The patients had an average one-eighth decrease in their blood vitamin C levels.

The researchers noted that lower gastric acidity reduced the bioavailability of vitamin C.The Citation: Henry EB, et al. Proton pump inhibitors reduce the bioavailability of dietary vitamin C. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 2005;22(6):539–45.

What It Means to You: Prilosec, Nexium, and other drugs used to treat heartburn and gastric reflux are among the most widely used medications in the US.

The reduction in vitamin C absorption is especially serious, given that 48 percent of Americans do not obtain the Reference Dietary Intake (90 mg) for vitamin C.

Acid-reducing medications also set the stage for atrophic gastritis (lack of stomach acid), which interferes with vitamin B12 absorption.

Your better bet is to avoid foods that trigger heartburn and gastric reflux, but if you must take these drugs, also take a high-potency multivitamin supplement.

In the third study, researchers suggest that cabbage and sauerkraut may protect women from breast cancer.

In the third study, researchers suggest that cabbage and sauerkraut may protect women from breast cancer. Data collected from the U.S. component of the Polish Women's Health Study showed an association between eating cabbage and sauerkraut and a lower risk of breast cancer.

The effect seemed to be highest among women who eat high amounts starting in adolescence and continue to do so throughout adulthood. The most protective effect appeared to come from raw or briefly cooked cabbage, the researchers said. "

The observed pattern of risk reduction indicates that the breakdown products of glucosinolates in cabbage may affect both the initiation phase of carcinogenesis -- by decreasing the amount of DNA damage and cell mutation -- and the promotion phase -- by blocking the processes that inhibit programmed cell death and stimulate unregulated cell growth," said lead researcher Dorothy Rybaczyk-Pathak, a professor of epidemiology at the University of New Mexico, in a prepared statement.

In the fourth study, researchers from Brigham and Woman's Hospital in Boston found that ginkgo biloba appears to lower the risk of developing ovarian cancer. "

There are herbal supplements used in the treatment of cancer, although there is not much scientific evidence to support their use," says lead researcher Bin Ye. "Our study looked at ginkgo use in women with and without cancer.

We found, in a population-based study, that 4.2 percent of cancer-free women reported taking ginkgo biloba regularly. However, only 1.6 percent of women with ovarian cancer reported taking ginkgo regularly."
(The HealthDay Web site) 2005 HealthDay News

DETERMINATION OF OXIDATION TYPE BY MEANS OF TISSUE ELECTROLYTE RATIOS

A method of determining oxidation types by means of hair tissue mineral ratios was evaluated by reviewing 55 patient files. Correlations were assessed between tissue calcium/potassium, sodium/magnesium, and sodium/potassium ratios, and nine signs and symptoms of oxidation type. Hair mineral ratios were found to be good predictors of signs and symptoms of oxidation type.

by Dr. Lawrence Wilson
(first published in the Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine, Vol. 1, #2, 1986) More:
http://orthomolecularnews.blogspot.com/

Quitting Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Provided by: DrWeil.com

Q: I'm currently on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and have been for 10 years. I would like to get off. How do I do this? Do I just quit, or do I need to back it down? -- Terri M.

A: Conventional medical wisdom holds that since you've been on HRT for so long, it would be best to wean yourself off slowly. However, the few studies on this subject suggest that it really doesn't matter whether you go cold turkey or withdraw from the hormones gradually: there seems to be no difference in the incidence of menopausal symptoms that develop as a result.

One study, published in the December 2003 issue of Obstetrics and Gynecology, found that about one-quarter of the women participating were unable to discontinue hormone therapy because of the withdrawal symptoms they experienced.

The women who had the most trouble quitting had begun taking estrogen after a hysterectomy, and had been on it for 10 years or more. Of the women in the study who succeeded in withdrawing from HRT, 71 percent quit abruptly and 29 percent tapered off HRT.

There was no difference in the incidence of menopausal symptoms between the two groups. Another study, published in the May, 2004 issue of the Journal of Women's Health, also found no difference in symptoms between women who quit abruptly and those who tapered off. If you decide to wean yourself off HRT, discuss your plan with your doctor. I suggest cutting back on HRT over the course of two months.

You can do this by taking decreasingly lower doses of estrogens. You're probably taking 0.625 mg of estrogen daily. You want to bring this down to 0.4, then 0.3 mgs daily. Either ask your physician to prescribe lower-dose estrogen or start taking your pills every other day, instead of daily. Continue taking your full dose of progestin whenever you take estrogen. If your HRT prescription is for a pill that combines both hormones, ask your physician for separate prescriptions so that you can slowly lower your estrogen dose.

Once you're off the hormones, you may experience hot flashes, night sweats or mood swings, and within two or three months you're likely to notice vaginal dryness and loss of fullness of your breasts. Hormonal changes can also lead to some temporary hair loss. If vaginal dryness becomes problematical, try Replens, a non-hormonal gel, which should be applied three times a week, or use the lubricant Astroglide at the time of intercourse. Both are available over-the-counter. Alternatively, speak to your physician about prescription estrogen creams that can be applied vaginally or the vaginal ring (Estring) that time-releases estradiol (a natural form of estrogen) daily; the ring has to be replaced every 90 days.

If you were taking HRT to protect against osteoporosis, make sure that you're getting 1,500 mg of calcium daily from your diet and, if necessary, from supplements. Weight-bearing exercise, such as brisk walking, along with strength training can protect your bones. If a bone density test shows that you're at high risk of osteoporosis, you may want to consider taking Fosamax (alendronate sodium), Actonel (risedronate sodium) or Evista (raloxifene), prescription medications that can help strengthen bone.

Many women find relief from hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness by taking black cohosh (Cimifiuga racemosa) plus 800 IUs of vitamin E daily. Alternatives include the supplements dong quai and evening primrose oil, which work for some women. Two to three daily servings of whole soy foods (tofu, tempeh, edamame, and soy milk) will give you some safe plant estrogen (phytoestrogens) that may help relieve symptoms. If these natural approaches don't help, talk to your physician about Effexor (venlafaxine) or other drugs that can relieve hot flashes.
Andrew Weil, MD

Does garlic lower blood cholesterol?

Studies differ over garlic's effect on blood cholesterol. While earlier studies were optimistic, more recent ones have not shown that garlic powder supplements effectively lower blood cholesterol. Few studies have looked at fresh garlic, either raw or cooked. Whether or not garlic lowers cholesterol, it has other benefits, such as inhibition of blood clots that earn it a place in a heart-friendly diet.


Yahoo – Nutrition and Fitness

Cystic Fibrosis and Nutrition

Cystic Fibrosis and Nutrition
June 2, 2006 02:55:02 AM PST

Cystic fibrosis (CF), called "65 Roses" by many of the 30,000 children and adults in the United States with the inherited genetic disease, particularly affects the respiratory and digestive systems.

CF makes children sick by disrupting the normal function of epithelial cells - cells that make up the sweat glands in the skin and that also line passageways inside the lungs, liver, pancreas, and digestive and reproductive systems.

A defect in these cells causes problems with the balance of salt and water in the body, leading it to produce thick mucus, which clogs the lungs, setting the stage for infections and other breathing problems. In children with CF, this mucus can also prevent the normal absorption of key nutrients and fat in the intestines, leading to poor digestion, slow growth, difficulty gaining weight, greasy bowel movements, and a decreased ability to fight infection.

About 85% to 90% of CF patients have pancreatic insufficiency by the time they're 8 or 9 years old. This means that the enzymes created in the pancreas that digest fat, starch, and protein aren't properly passed into the intestines. This causes problems in absorbing the necessary amounts of several important nutrients.

Important ways that you can help your child with CF grow healthy and strong include providing good overall nutrition along with extra fat and calories and prescribed enzymes (see the section Beyond Food - Enzymes and Tube Feeding).

Your Child's Nutritional NeedsIn general, children with CF may need 30% to 50% more of the recommended daily allowance of calories for their age group. This means that:
A toddler with CF may need 1,700 to 1,950 calories daily.
A child with CF may need 2,300 to 3,000 calories daily.
A teen with CF may need 2,900 to 4,500 calories daily.
These calorie needs may be even higher when a child is ill (even a low-grade infection can greatly increase your child's calorie needs).

Every child with CF has different nutritional needs. You'll work with your child's CF dietitian to determine how many calories he or she needs each day. The dietitian will track your child's growth and weight gain over time and will provide you with a nutrition plan.

Some parents of children with CF (and the kids as well) find that counting calories is bothersome. For this reason, it may be more helpful to focus more generally on your child's growth pattern and on adding calorie boosters with fat in them to the foods your child normally eats. That's because gram for gram, fat has more than twice the number of calories as protein and carbohydrates.

In addition to calories, kids with CF have some specific nutritional needs to help them thrive:
Calcium. Patients with pancreatic insufficiency have difficulty absorbing calcium and are especially at risk for developing osteoporosis (weak, brittle bones).

Even patients who don't have pancreatic insufficiency have a greater risk of developing the condition. All dairy products are good sources of calcium (and the full-fat varieties are good sources of fat and calories as well). Many juices also now include calcium.

Essential fatty acids. The body needs to get these particular types of fat from the diet. Found in plant oils, safflower oil, and soybean oils, they help in the building of cell membranes and may play a role in lung function.

Fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E, and K). Important for growth and healing, these vitamins are absorbed along with fat. And because most children with CF have trouble digesting fat, they often have low levels of fat-soluble vitamins and need to take supplements.

Iron. Many children (both with and without CF) are at risk for developing iron deficiency anemia, which can cause fatigue and poor resistance to infection. Fortified cereal, meats, dried fruits, and deep green vegetables are good sources of iron.

Salt. Children with CF lose a lot of salt in their sweat, especially during hot weather and when they exercise. Your CF dietitian may ask you to add salt to your infant's formula and to give your older child salty snacks. During hot weather and when your child plays sports, the dietitian may recommend sending sports drinks to school for activities and physical education class.

Zinc. Important for growth, healing, and fighting infection, zinc is found in meats, liver, eggs, and seafood.

Meals at Home and Away. You'll need to work with your child's CF dietitian to create meal plans that include plenty of snacks, especially for toddlers who eat smaller meals. (Toddlers with or without CF may eat as many as six small meals a day.) When your child is older, schedule snacks so that he or she is eating enough, but isn't simply snacking all day.

Yahoo! Health: Children's Health News


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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

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Chlorophyll for MS?

Chlorophyll for MS?
Provided by: DrWeil.com

Q: I was recently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and have been taking chlorophyll supplements to boost my immune system. Is this wise, or should I be more cautious about chlorophyll? -- Linda F.

A: Chlorophyll, the green pigment that gives plants their color, has no function in the human body. That fact hasn't stopped marketers from promoting supplements containing chlorophyll and suggesting that it can benefit patients with conditions ranging from cancer to arthritis to multiple sclerosis (MS). Chlorophyll can't hurt, but it isn't an immune booster, and I don't know of any research suggesting that it helps patients with MS.

Unfortunately, we know little about what causes MS and what factors influence its progression and outcome. It begins with localized inflammatory damage to the myelin sheaths surrounding nerve fibers due to an attack by the immune system. This interferes with nerve impulses and can lead to symptoms such as muscle weakness, loss of vision, and a variety of other impairments.

A drug called beta-interferon has become the conventional treatment for MS patients. While it can slow the progression of the disease, it is expensive and produces unpleasant side effects. Whether or not you take beta-interferon, you can try to influence the course of the disease with the stress reduction, mind/body treatments and lifestyle changes recommended below:

• Decrease protein intake toward 10 percent of daily calories, and emphasize plant rather than animal protein.
• Eliminate milk and milk products, substituting other calcium sources.
• Eat organically grown fruits and vegetables as well as organic products made from wheat and soy.
• Eliminate polyunsaturated vegetable oils, margarine, vegetable shortening, all partially hydrogenated oils, foods (such as deep-fried foods) that might contain trans-fatty acids.
• Use extra-virgin olive oil as your main fat.
• Increase intake of omega-3 fatty acids from fish, walnuts, or flax and hemp seeds.
• Eat more fruits and vegetables, preferably organic.
• Eat ginger. Turmeric can also be helpful. (I recommend the product called Turmeric Force from New Chapter.)
• Take acidophilus culture and psyllium if constipation is a problem, or use the ayurvedic herbal bowel regulator, triphala.
• Take my antioxidant and daily multivitamin formula plus an additional B-50 complex vitamin daily.
• Take 5 grams of soy lecithin granules daily (store in the refrigerator).
• Take 30 milligrams of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ-10) two or three times a day.
• Do some kind of light aerobic exercise on a regular basis. Choose something you enjoy; don't push yourself to the point of exhaustion.
• Try visualization, meditation, and hypnotherapy to redirect your mental energies in positive directions.
• Experiment with traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine from qualified practitioners.
• Ashwaganda, an Ayurvedic herb may be helpful. Finally, talk to a Chinese medical practitioner about the use of bee sting therapy, which has helped in many cases.

Andrew Weil, MD

Cure for Hangovers?

Cure for Hangovers?
Provided by: DrWeil.com

Q: This past Friday morning, I got out of bed to find myself with quite a splitting reminder of the night before. Is there anything that can help cure the common hangover? -- Anonymous

A: Alcohol is a strong toxin to both the liver and the nervous system, and it irritates the upper digestive tract and urinary system as well. The morning after a binge, you also feel the effects of dehydration. It certainly seems that everyone has a cure for a hangover: Sailors claim saltwater is the antidote; the Egyptians ate boiled cabbage as a preventive; today, many folks claim it's the "hair of the dog" that'll stop the hammering. Believe what you will.

I probably don't need to say that moderation is the best way to avoid hangovers. It makes sense to imbibe as much water as possible while you're drinking alcohol, to avoid dehydration. Taking aspirin before drinking, though popular, doesn't help. The best and only sure-fire remedy is time: As your body metabolizes the toxic overdose, symptoms subside.

If you have access to pure oxygen in a canister you can try inhaling some to see if it speeds recovery, but I doubt this is practical for most people. I recommend taking a B-complex vitamin supplement plus extra thiamine (100 mgs) to counter the B-vitamin depletion caused by alcohol. But I really don't know of any hangover treatment that works as well as putting time between yourself and the night before.

Be aware that you should pick your poison wisely. Since alcohol is exempt from most labeling requirements, it may contain additives that can trigger asthma, migraines, and other reactions. Whenever possible, choose quality brands. The extra money you pour out for a premium cocktail may tax your wallet, but your liver will thank you.

Some distilled beverages are rich in substances called congeners, toxic impurities that can greatly add to your woes. Bourbon, rum, and cognac are particularly "dirty." Champagne and some sweet wines are also notorious causes of hangovers. Vodka, being just pure alcohol and water, is the cleanest. It's always a good idea to pace yourself, and to eat if you have more than a drink or two.

My drink of choice is sake, which seems pretty clean to me. I don't get a hangover from it, even when I drink more than normal. Kampai!

Andrew Weil, MD

An Antioxidant Update?

An Antioxidant Update?
Provided by: DrWeil.com

Q: I just bought some supplements and the clerk at the health food store told me I needed to take 6,000 mg of vitamin C per day. That sounds like an awful lot. What do you recommend? -- Barbara B.

A: I used to recommend taking 2,000 to 6,000 mg of vitamin C daily (divided into three doses). However, I changed my recommendation in 1999 to 200 mg daily after examining two well-designed studies showing that lower levels of vitamin C more than saturate the body's tissues, and thus are sufficient to protect against cancer, heart disease and other chronic illnesses.
One of the studies that influenced my decision was a review of clinical trials published in the April 21, 1999, issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

It concluded that 200 mg a day is the maximum amount of vitamin C that human cells can absorb, making higher doses a waste. The second study came from the Linus Pauling Institute (Pauling himself took 18,000 mg of vitamin C per day) and was published in the June 1999 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. It identified a similar dose, 120 to 200 mg, as the optimal amount for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, cataracts and other chronic conditions.

I wouldn't worry if you've been taking higher doses. Vitamin C is water soluble and anything not used by the body quickly passes out. In fact, I still recommend higher dosages - up to 1,000 mg a day if you are coming down with a cold.

The rest of my antioxidant recommendations are as follows:
Vitamin E: 400 IUs of mixed natural tocopherols (or 80 mg of mixed tocopherols and tocotrienols) a day. Since vitamin E is fat soluble, it must be taken with food to be absorbed. Also, choose natural forms of vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol with mixed tocopherols, or better yet, mixed tocopherols and tocotrienols) instead of the synthetic form (dl-alpha-tocopherol).
Selenium: 200 micrograms a day of a yeast-bound form. Selenium is a trace mineral with antioxidant and anticancer properties.

Selenium and vitamin E facilitate each other's absorption, so take them together. Doses of selenium above 400 micrograms a day may not be healthy.

Mixed carotenes: 10, 000 - 15,000 IUs a day of beta carotene with other carotenoids, such as alpha carotene, astaxanthin, and zeaxanthin. Make sure the mix gives you lycopene, the red pigment in tomatoes that helps prevent prostate cancer, and lutein, which protects against cataracts and macular degeneration.
Andrew Weil, MD