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Wednesday, December 25, 2002
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By Darin Ingels, ND
Healthnotes Newswire (December 19, 2002)—Elderly women with an excessive curvature of the upper part of the spine (hyperkyphosis) may benefit from practicing yoga, according to a study in American Journal of Public Health (2002;92:1611–4). Specific yoga poses that target the upper back appear to help straighten the spine and restore physical function.
Hyperkyphosis is a common condition in elderly people that affects the spine from the base of the neck to the top of the low back. Excessive curvature in the thoracic spine leads to the “hunched over” appearance often seen in these individuals. Hyperkyphosis is not usually painful, but may restrict one’s ability to perform daily activities, such as standing from the seated position, reaching for objects, and bending over.
Some cases of hyperkyphosis are caused by vertebral fractures, and in those cases the spinal curvature is presumably irreversible. However, only about half of people with this condition have a history a vertebral fracture. In many cases, the curvature may be due in part to poor posture or muscle weakness, factors that may be modified by doing yoga. In general, yoga is considered a safe therapy that can be started at any age.
In the new study, 21 women with hyperkyphosis between the ages of 60 and 86 years participated in one-hour yoga classes, twice a week for 12 weeks. The program included four specific poses that concentrate on the upper back. Every three weeks, more challenging poses were introduced. Measurements of height and upper back curvature were taken at the beginning and end of the study. Several tests of physical performance were also conducted.
After 12 weeks of yoga, the average height of the women increased by more than half a centimeter and there was slight improvement in the curvature of the spine. Tests of physical function also demonstrated improvement, suggesting that the spine had become more flexible. Some 63% of the women reported a sense of greater well-being and 58% perceived an improvement in physical functioning.
Yoga is a practice that dates back more than 2,000 years. Although there are many styles of yoga, the goal of each style is to bring the body to a state of awareness and relaxation through a series of specific poses. Special emphasis is placed on slow, deep breathing during each pose, and on properly aligning the body. The poses vary from simple to complex, depending on the experience of each person. Many people who practice yoga report increased muscle strength, better flexibility and balance, decreased back pain, a feeling of being more relaxed, and an overall feeling of well-being. While yoga has no known adverse effects if mindfully practiced according to the traditional alignment principles, people with certain joint or muscle conditions should consult a physician before beginning a yoga program.
Darin Ingels, ND, MT (ASCP), received his bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and his Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in Kenmore, WA. Dr. Ingels is the author of The Natural Pharmacist: Lowering Cholesterol (Prima, 1999) and Natural Treatments for High Cholesterol (Prima, 2000). He currently is in private practice at New England Family Health Associates located in Southport, CT, where he specializes in environmental medicine and allergies. Dr. Ingels is a regular contributor to Healthnotes and Healthnotes Newswire.
Copyright © 2002 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of the Healthnotes® content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Healthnotes, Inc. Healthnotes Newswire is for educational or informational purposes only, and is not intended to diagnose or provide treatment for any condition. If you have any concerns about your own health, you should always consult with a healthcare professional. Healthnotes, Inc. shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Healthnotes and the Healthnotes logo are registered trademarks of Healthnotes, Inc.
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2:34:23 PM 
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By Alan R. Gaby, MD, and Matt Brignall, ND
Healthnotes Newswire (December 19, 2002)—Supplementation with a specific Lactobacillus strain prevented the development of serious complications in people with acute pancreatitis, according to a study in the British Journal of Surgery (2002;89:1103–7). Acute pancreatitis is an inflammatory condition of the pancreas that frequently progresses to infection and death of pancreatic tissue, complications that are associated with an increased risk of death.
In the new study, 45 people with acute pancreatitis were fed an oral nutritional formula twice a day for at least one week. The formula was supplemented with one billion bacteria of a specific Lactobacillus strain, plus oat fiber, which served as “fuel” to enhance the growth and function of the Lactobacilli. Half of the study participants were fed live Lactobacilli, whereas the other half (placebo group) received organisms that had been heat-killed prior to being added to the formula.
Compared with the placebo group, the group treated with live Lactobacilli had an 85% reduction in the number of pancreatic infections severe enough to require surgery. In addition, the average duration of hospital stay was 36% lower in the treated group than in the placebo group.
The rationale for supplementing with “friendly” bacteria (probiotics) is based on the observation that normal intestinal bacteria rapidly disappear in cases of acute pancreatitis and are replaced by potentially disease-causing organisms. Presumably, certain beneficial bacteria could compete with the disease-causing organisms, thereby preventing them from gaining a foothold in the intestines and infecting the inflamed pancreas.
The organism chosen for this study was Lactobacillus plantarum 299, a strain that has previously been shown to prevent severe infections in animals with experimentally induced pancreatitis. In addition to competing with infection-causing bacteria, various strains of Lactobacilli are known to enhance the functioning of the immune system, which might provide additional protection against the development of pancreatic infection.
It should be noted that different probiotic strains have different effects in the body. Therefore, one cannot assume that other commonly used probiotics (such as Lactobacillus acidophilus or Lactobacillus GG) would have the same beneficial actions as Lactobacillus plantarum 299 in people with acute pancreatitis. In addition, as the authors of the study point out, supplementing with the appropriate probiotic strain may not be enough, as probiotic organisms must be also supplied with the food they need to thrive (in this case, oat fiber).
Acute pancreatitis is usually caused by excessive alcohol intake or by gallstones that block the flow of pancreatic secretions. Acute pancreatitis differs from chronic pancreatitis, as the former comes on suddenly and usually resolves after a short period of time, whereas the latter typically does not resolve and results in progressive damage to the pancreas.
Alan R. Gaby, MD, an expert in nutritional therapies, testified to the White House Commission on CAM upon request in December 2001. Dr. Gaby served as a member of the Ad-Hoc Advisory Panel of the National Institutes of Health Office of Alternative Medicine. He is the author of Preventing and Reversing Osteoporosis (Prima, 1994), and co-author of The Natural Pharmacy, 2nd Edition (Healthnotes, Prima, 1999), the A–Z Guide to Drug-Herb-Vitamin Interactions (Healthnotes, Prima, 1999), Clinical Essentials Volume 1 and 2 (Healthnotes, 2000), and The Patient’s Book of Natural Healing (Prima, 1999). A former professor at Bastyr University of Natural Health Sciences, in Kenmore, WA, where he served as the Endowed Professor of Nutrition, Dr. Gaby is the Chief Medical Editor for Healthnotes, Inc.
Matt Brignall, ND is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Bastyr University. He works at the Seattle Cancer Treatment and Wellness Center, where he specializes in complementary medicine approaches to cancer. He has been published in several journals, including Alternative Medicine Review, Coping With Cancer, and the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Dr. Brignall also teaches clinical nutrition at Bastyr University in Kenmore, WA. He is a regular contributor to Healthnotes, Healthnotes Newswire, and the Healthnotes Quick!Reference series.
Copyright © 2002 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of the Healthnotes® content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Healthnotes, Inc. Healthnotes Newswire is for educational or informational purposes only, and is not intended to diagnose or provide treatment for any condition. If you have any concerns about your own health, you should always consult with a healthcare professional. Healthnotes, Inc. shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Healthnotes and the Healthnotes logo are registered trademarks of Healthnotes, Inc.
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2:31:52 PM
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By Maureen Williams, ND
Healthnotes Newswire (December 19, 2002)—Men experiencing sexual difficulties due to inability to achieve erection may be helped by Korean red ginseng (Panax ginseng), according to a study published in the Journal of Urology (2002;168:2070–3).
Impotence, also called erectile dysfunction, is a term used to describe the inability to achieve and maintain an erection. It is a problem that affects nearly half of men over age forty worldwide. It is sometimes associated with medical conditions that impair blood flow to the penis, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes, or those that affect nerve stimulation to the muscles of the penis, such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease. It can also be a side effect of certain medications, or of drug or alcohol abuse.
Conventional treatments for erectile dysfunction include surgical implants, direct penile injections of medications that dilate blood vessels, and oral medications. Although oral medications are more popular than other approaches, their side effects can be serious or even life threatening, especially for people with the types of underlying medical conditions that can cause erectile dysfunction.
Korean red ginseng, also known as Asian ginseng, is an herb used traditionally in Asia for thousands of years. It is one of the most popular herbs in the world, and is used by an estimated six million people in the United States. Previous studies have supported its traditional uses by showing its ability to stimulate immune function and control blood sugar. Results of other studies suggest it may contribute to cancer prevention, improve mental and physical performance, and enhance sexual function.
In the new study, 45 men with erectile dysfunction were randomly assigned to receive 900 mg of Korean red ginseng three times per day or a placebo for eight weeks. After a two-week break, each person received the other treatment for an additional eight weeks. The ability of the men to achieve and maintain erections was significantly greater while they were receiving ginseng than while they were receiving placebo. Some 60% of participants reported improved erections while receiving ginseng. Improved sexual desire was also reported during ginseng treatment. Testosterone levels did not change with treatment, leading the researchers to conclude that improvements observed with ginseng are not due to hormonal effects. Instead, they suggest that ginseng may act on the nervous system, which is known to influence sexual function. This theory is supported by previous studies on the effects of ginseng in animals and humans.
A number of previous studies have suggested that Korean red ginseng might improve sexual function. Animal trials have demonstrated improvements in sexual desire and function with ginseng. In one human trial, ginseng in combination with other herbs and nutrients improved libido and sexual function in women. Another trial found a benefit of ginseng in men with erectile dysfunction. No significant side effects were seen in either of these trials.
Other types of ginseng, such as Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) and American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius), do not have the same properties as Panax ginseng, and may not have the same benefit for men with erectile dysfunction.
Maureen Williams, ND, received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in Seattle, WA. She has a private practice in Quechee, Vermont, and does extensive work with traditional herbal medicine in Guatemala and Honduras. Dr. Williams is a regular contributor to Healthnotes Newswire.
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2:30:24 PM
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By Darin Ingels, ND
Healthnotes Newswire (December 19, 2002)—Applying strips of duct tape over warts in children was found to be more effective than conventional liquid nitrogen therapy (cryotherapy), according to a study in Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine (2002;156:971–4). While dermatologists have recommended duct tape therapy for years, this is the first controlled study to demonstrate its efficacy.
Warts are caused by a group of viruses, called human papillomaviruses, and may affect 5% to 10% of all children. The highest incidence of warts is usually observed between the ages of 12 and 16 years. Warts appear most commonly on the hands and fingers, although they can affect the skin on any part of the body. Studies suggest that two-thirds of all warts will spontaneously disappear within two years, even without treatment. Conventional topical treatments for warts include freezing (cryotherapy), salicylic acid, podophyllin, and laser surgery. Cryotherapy, the most commonly used procedure is associated with several adverse side effects, such as pain, blistering, infection, and permanent discoloration of the skin. Duct tape therapy is a safe, cost-effective alternative that is well tolerated and eliminates the need for multiple visits to the doctor.
In the new study, 51 young people between the ages of 3 and 22 years were assigned to receive cryotherapy or duct tape therapy for two months. Those using the duct tape were instructed to leave it on for six days and then reapply a new piece of tape. The warts were measured every two to three weeks to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatments. Treatments were discontinued if the warts completely resolved.
Duct tape occlusion therapy was found to be significantly more effective than cryotherapy. Almost 85% of the children using duct tape had complete resolution of their warts, whereas only 60% of those receiving cryotherapy saw their warts disappear. The majority of the warts resolved after one month of duct tape treatment, with improvement first noted after two to three weeks. Each child receiving cryotherapy reported pain during the treatment, while only minor skin irritation was reported in those using duct tape.
It is not clear how duct tape works, although some physicians believe it may stimulate the immune system by irritating the skin. Children with an allergy to adhesive material should not place duct tape on the skin.
Darin Ingels, ND, MT (ASCP), received his bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and his Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in Kenmore, WA. Dr. Ingels is the author of The Natural Pharmacist: Lowering Cholesterol (Prima, 1999) and Natural Treatments for High Cholesterol (Prima, 2000). He currently is in private practice at New England Family Health Associates located in Southport, CT, where he specializes in environmental medicine and allergies. Dr. Ingels is a regular contributor to Healthnotes and Healthnotes Newswire.
Copyright © 2002 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of the Healthnotes® content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Healthnotes, Inc. Healthnotes Newswire is for educational or informational purposes only, and is not intended to diagnose or provide treatment for any condition. If you have any concerns about your own health, you should always consult with a healthcare professional. Healthnotes, Inc. shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Healthnotes and the Healthnotes logo are registered trademarks of Healthnotes, Inc.
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2:29:49 PM
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By Darin Ingels, ND
Healthnotes Newswire (December 19, 2002)—Men who consume whole grains as part of their daily diet may reduce their risk of type 2 (adult-onset) diabetes, according to a new study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2002;76:535–40). While similar results have been found in women, this is the first study to show that adding whole grains to the diet may prevent type 2 diabetes in men.
The incidence of type 2 diabetes has increased in the past two decades in the United States. Known risk factors include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, family history of diabetes, and sedentary lifestyle. Some scientists speculate that consuming a diet high in refined carbohydrates may be an additional risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
Questionnaires were sent to 42,898 male health professionals between the ages of 40 and 75 years. Participants were asked about the frequency and portion sizes of food they consumed during the previous year. Other details, including smoking history, exercise habits, and body weight, were also assessed. Whole grains were defined as brown rice, dark breads, whole-grain ready-to-eat cereals, cooked cereal, popcorn, wheat germ, bran and other whole grains. Refined grains included white rice, white bread, English muffins, pancakes, waffles, cakes, sweet rolls, refined-grain ready-to-eat cereals, muffins, biscuits, and pizza.
People who consumed the highest amount of whole grains (3.2 servings per day) had a 30% to 40% reduction in risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared with those who ate less than 1 serving a day. One serving of whole grains is equal to one slice of whole grain bread or ½ cup of cooked brown rice. The decrease in diabetes risk was primarily attributed to the intake of cereals more than the other types of whole grains consumed.
Among men who consumed large amounts of whole grains, those with a lower body mass index (a measure of obesity) had a more significant decrease in type 2 diabetes risk than did obese men. This suggests that whole-grain consumption may have only a minimal benefit for obese men in decreasing their risk of type 2 diabetes. The benefits of whole grains may be due to their increased content of fiber, which is mostly removed in process of refining whole grains to white flour. However, some studies suggest that the higher amount of magnesium in whole grains also contributes to the lower risk of diabetes. More research is needed to clarify this issue. Intake of refined grains did not increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, regardless of the amount consumed.
Whole grain intake may have other health benefits beyond preventing diabetes. Studies have shown that those who consume 2½ to 3 servings per day of whole grains have a 25% to 30% lower risk of developing heart disease and a 30% decreased risk of having a stroke, compared with those consuming less than ½ serving a day. However, studies show that the average American diet contains less than 1 serving per day of whole grains. The authors suggest that increasing the intake to 3 servings per day will have a substantial impact on the health of millions of Americans, including preventing type 2 diabetes, one of the most significant health problems of our times.
Darin Ingels, ND, MT (ASCP), received his bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and his Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in Kenmore, WA. Dr. Ingels is the author of The Natural Pharmacist: Lowering Cholesterol (Prima, 1999) and Natural Treatments for High Cholesterol (Prima, 2000). He currently is in private practice at New England Family Health Associates located in Southport, CT, where he specializes in environmental medicine and allergies. Dr. Ingels is a regular contributor to Healthnotes and Healthnotes Newswire.
Copyright © 2002 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of the Healthnotes® content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Healthnotes, Inc. Healthnotes Newswire is for educational or informational purposes only, and is not intended to diagnose or provide treatment for any condition. If you have any concerns about your own health, you should always consult with a healthcare professional. Healthnotes, Inc. shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Healthnotes and the Healthnotes logo are registered trademarks of Healthnotes, Inc.
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2:28:03 PM
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By Alan R. Gaby, MD
Healthnotes Newswire (December 19, 2002)—Supplementation with the amino acid taurine enhances the effect of iron therapy in young women with iron-deficiency anemia, according to a report in the European Journal of Haematology (2002;69:236–42).
Taurine occurs naturally in animal foods and is present in fairly large amounts in the body. It functions as an antioxidant and helps stabilize cell membranes. Taurine has been used with some success to treat heart failure, some liver disorders, and certain abnormalities of visual function.
In this new study, 51 female university students with iron-deficiency anemia were treated with a standard iron preparation for 20 weeks. Half of the women were also given taurine (1,000 mg per day), while the others received a placebo. By the end of the treatment period, the average blood count (measured as hemoglobin concentration) had increased significantly in both groups. However, the group receiving taurine had a significantly greater increase in blood count than did the placebo group. The advantage of taurine over placebo was equivalent to the production of more than three-quarters of a pint of additional blood. Moreover, body-iron stores were significantly greater in the taurine group than in the placebo group by the end of the study. No adverse effects attributable to taurine were reported.
It is not clear how taurine improved the results of iron therapy. Taurine probably did not have a direct effect on iron absorption, as the two supplements were taken six to eight hours apart. It is possible that taurine, by functioning as an antioxidant and cell-membrane stabilizer, increased the survival time of red blood cells, thereby increasing blood counts. Whatever the explanation for its effect, taurine may be considered for women who have had difficulty correcting iron deficiency by iron supplementation alone.
In addition to taurine, other nutritional factors appear to play a role in the prevention and treatment of iron deficiency. Vitamin C increases the absorption of iron, and many doctors recommend that vitamin C be taken at the same time as supplemental iron. Vitamin E and calcium, on the other hand, may interfere with iron absorption if taken at the same time as iron supplements. The main foods that inhibit iron absorption (again, if taken at the same time as the iron) are coffee, tea, and soy products.
Although iron deficiency is a common problem, particularly among menstruating women, indiscriminate use of iron supplements can be dangerous. A small proportion of the population has a genetic disorder that causes them to accumulate iron, potentially leading to diabetes or severe liver disease if supplemental iron is taken. For this reason, individuals considering iron supplementation should consult a doctor.
Alan R. Gaby, MD, an expert in nutritional therapies, testified to the White House Commission on CAM upon request in December 2001. Dr. Gaby served as a member of the Ad-Hoc Advisory Panel of the National Institutes of Health Office of Alternative Medicine. He is the author of Preventing and Reversing Osteoporosis (Prima, 1994), and co-author of The Natural Pharmacy, 2nd Edition (Healthnotes, Prima, 1999), the A–Z Guide to Drug-Herb-Vitamin Interactions (Healthnotes, Prima, 1999), Clinical Essentials Volume 1 and 2 (Healthnotes, 2000), and The Patient’s Book of Natural Healing (Prima, 1999). A former professor at Bastyr University of Natural Health Sciences, in Kenmore, WA, where he served as the Endowed Professor of Nutrition, Dr. Gaby is the Chief Medical Editor for Healthnotes, Inc.
Copyright © 2002 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of the Healthnotes® content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Healthnotes, Inc. Healthnotes Newswire is for educational or informational purposes only, and is not intended to diagnose or provide treatment for any condition. If you have any concerns about your own health, you should always consult with a healthcare professional. Healthnotes, Inc. shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Healthnotes and the Healthnotes logo are registered trademarks of Healthnotes, Inc.
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2:27:31 PM
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By Darin Ingels, ND
Healthnotes Newswire (December 19, 2002)—People suffering from chronic knee pain may benefit from starting a daily home-based exercise program, according to a new study in British Medical Journal (2002;325:752–6). The findings of this study suggest that following a specific exercise program for the knee may help reduce pain, decrease stiffness, and improve physical function.
Chronic knee pain in adults is often due to osteoarthritis, a progressive degeneration of the cartilage in the knee joint. As the cartilage wears down, inflammation and swelling occur, which lead to pain, joint stiffness, and limited mobility. Conventional treatment is designed to reduce inflammation and pain by taking oral anti-inflammatory or analgesic medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®), ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®, Nuprin®), indomethacin (Indocin®), or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. However, taking these medications on a long-term basis may result in a peptic ulcer or liver problems. Some physicians recommend surgery to remove debris in the joint, but arthroscopic surgery has recently been found to be ineffective as a treatment for osteoarthritis. This home-based exercise program may eliminate the need for analgesic or anti-inflammatory medications
In this two-year study, 600 men and women older than 45 years with knee pain were assigned to one of four treatment groups: (1) daily exercise therapy, consisting of muscle strengthening exercises on both knees for 20 to 30 minutes (2) monthly telephone calls, (3) daily exercise therapy and monthly telephone calls, or (4) no intervention. The therapy performed was a series of knee strengthening exercises using graded elastic bands, starting with low resistance and working up to higher resistance bands. Questionnaires were given at the start of the study and periodically thereafter, to measure pain, stiffness, and physical function.
Compared with the no-exercise groups, the exercise groups experienced a significant improvement in knee pain. Joint stiffness and physical function were also notably improved with exercise. These benefits were seen after six months of treatment and were maintained throughout the study. Improvement in symptoms was associated with the degree of compliance to the exercise program, with those who strictly adhered to the program having the greatest benefit.
Studies have shown that various nutritional supplements, including glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, niacinamide (vitamin B3), S-adenosyl-methionine (SAMe), and vitamin E may also be useful in treating knee pain from osteoarthritis. Herbs such as cat’s claw (Uncaria tomentosa), devil’s claw (Harpagophytum procumbens), ginger (Zingiber officinale), and boswellia (Boswellia serrata) may also be beneficial. Consult a physician or nutritionist for the appropriate amounts to take.
Darin Ingels, ND, MT (ASCP), received his bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and his Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in Kenmore, WA. Dr. Ingels is the author of The Natural Pharmacist: Lowering Cholesterol (Prima, 1999) and Natural Treatments for High Cholesterol (Prima, 2000). He currently is in private practice at New England Family Health Associates located in Southport, CT, where he specializes in environmental medicine and allergies. Dr. Ingels is a regular contributor to Healthnotes and Healthnotes Newswire.
Copyright © 2002 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of the Healthnotes® content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Healthnotes, Inc. Healthnotes Newswire is for educational or informational purposes only, and is not intended to diagnose or provide treatment for any condition. If you have any concerns about your own health, you should always consult with a healthcare professional. Healthnotes, Inc. shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Healthnotes and the Healthnotes logo are registered trademarks of Healthnotes, Inc.
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2:26:55 PM
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By Darin Ingels, ND
Healthnotes Newswire (December 19, 2002)—Men who eat garlic, onions, leeks, shallots, scallions, and chives (vegetables of the Allium family) as a regular part of their diets may reduce their risk of developing prostate cancer, according to a study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (2002;94:1648–51). While consuming these foods has been associated with a reduction in the incidence of stomach, colon, esophagus, and breast cancers, this is the first study to show that eating these vegetables may also lower prostate cancer risk.
Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer in men, with more than 189,000 American men expected to be diagnosed in the year 2002. The risk of prostate cancer increases with each decade of life; most cases are diagnosed in men over the age of 50. More than one-fifth of all American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetimes, but only 3% will die from the disease.
The slow-growing nature of prostate cancer has hampered the success of conventional treatments that target rapidly dividing cells. Surgical removal of the prostate, radiation therapy, and drug therapy are used to treat some cases of prostate cancer. However, many physicians have opted to "watch and wait" since these treatments have many adverse side effects and few men will actually die from the disease. Consuming vegetables of the Allium family may add extra insurance against prostate disease.
In this study, 238 Chinese men with prostate cancer and 471 with healthy prostates were questioned about their dietary intake of 122 different foods during the five years prior to the interview. Their responses were analyzed to determine if any single food or food group was associated with prostate cancer risk.
Men who consumed more than 10 grams per day of Allium vegetables had almost a 50% reduction in risk of developing prostate cancer, compared with those who consumed less than 2.2 grams per day. Garlic was the most commonly consumed Allium vegetable, followed by scallions and chives. The most pronounced reduction in prostate cancer risk was seen in men with the highest consumption of garlic and scallions. Although a modest decrease in risk was associated with intake of chives and onions, the results did not reach statistical significance.
Other foods have also been reported to decrease the risk of prostate cancer. Studies suggest eating a diet high in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage may reduce prostate cancer risk. Other studies have shown that lycopene, a substance found in tomatoes, may also have a protective effect. Men who consume large amounts of meat and dairy products have a higher risk of dying from prostate cancer than do men who eat less of these foods. Nutritional supplements that may help prevent prostate cancer include selenium, zinc, and vitamin E.
Darin Ingels, ND, MT (ASCP), received his bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and his Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in Kenmore, WA. Dr. Ingels is the author of The Natural Pharmacist: Lowering Cholesterol (Prima, 1999) and Natural Treatments for High Cholesterol (Prima, 2000). He currently is in private practice at New England Family Health Associates located in Southport, CT, where he specializes in environmental medicine and allergies. Dr. Ingels is a regular contributor to Healthnotes and Healthnotes Newswire.
Copyright © 2002 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of the Healthnotes® content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Healthnotes, Inc. Healthnotes Newswire is for educational or informational purposes only, and is not intended to diagnose or provide treatment for any condition. If you have any concerns about your own health, you should always consult with a healthcare professional. Healthnotes, Inc. shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Healthnotes and the Healthnotes logo are registered trademarks of Healthnotes, Inc.
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2:26:20 PM
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By Alan R. Gaby, MD
Healthnotes Newswire (December 19, 2002)—Supplementation with L-carnitine decreases attention problems and aggressive behavior in boys with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to a report in Prostaglandins Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids (2002;67:33–8). L-carnitine may therefore represent a safer alternative to the stimulant drug methylphenidate (Ritalin®), the most common treatment for ADHD.
In the new study, 24 boys between the ages of 6 and 13 years received L-carnitine and a placebo, in random order, during two separate eight-week periods. The amount of L-carnitine used was 100 mg per kg (2.2 pounds) of body weight per day, with a maximum of 4 grams per day. Changes in the boys’ behavior were assessed by two commonly used rating scales, one completed by the parents and the other by the teachers. According to the parents’ ratings, 54% of the children showed significant improvement in their behavior while taking L-carnitine, whereas only 13% improved during the placebo period. The teachers’ ratings showed a similar, though slightly less pronounced, advantage of L-carnitine over placebo.
No serious side effects were seen, although one boy experienced an unpleasant body odor while taking L-carnitine. The authors of the study have found that this occasional side effect can be prevented by taking riboflavin along with the L-carnitine.
ADHD affects an estimated 3 to 5% of school-aged children in the United States. It is characterized by impulsiveness, inability to concentrate, excessive physical activity, and learning difficulties. The amphetamine-like drug methylphenidate, which acts as a stimulant for most people, has a paradoxical calming effect in children with ADHD. Methylphenidate has a long list of potential side effects, however, and there are concerns that long-term use of the drug could stunt the growth of children.
L-carnitine is a naturally occurring vitamin-like compound that plays a role in normal energy production in the body. It has been used successfully by doctors to treat heart disease, elevated cholesterol, and some cases of infertility. It is not known how L-carnitine improves behavior in children with ADHD, although blood levels of L-carnitine have been found to be low in some of these children.
Other natural treatments that have been reported to be effective for ADHD include avoiding refined sugar, removing synthetic and naturally occurring salicylates from the diet, identifying and avoiding allergenic foods, and supplementing with B vitamins. Preliminary research suggests that exposure to the radiation from television sets or from fluorescent bulbs may also promote hyperactive behavior.
L-carnitine is a relatively expensive nutritional supplement; the amount used in the new study would cost up to $6 per day. Additional research should focus on whether combining L-carnitine with dietary modification and other nutritional supplements would allow lower amounts of L-carnitine to be effective.
Alan R. Gaby, MD, an expert in nutritional therapies, testified to the White House Commission on CAM upon request in December 2001. Dr. Gaby served as a member of the Ad-Hoc Advisory Panel of the National Institutes of Health Office of Alternative Medicine. He is the author of Preventing and Reversing Osteoporosis (Prima, 1994), and co-author of The Natural Pharmacy, 2nd Edition (Healthnotes, Prima, 1999), the A–Z Guide to Drug-Herb-Vitamin Interactions (Healthnotes, Prima, 1999), Clinical Essentials Volume 1 and 2 (Healthnotes, 2000), and The Patient’s Book of Natural Healing (Prima, 1999). A former professor at Bastyr University of Natural Health Sciences, in Kenmore, WA, where he served as the Endowed Professor of Nutrition, Dr. Gaby is the Chief Medical Editor for Healthnotes, Inc.
Copyright © 2002 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of the Healthnotes® content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Healthnotes, Inc. Healthnotes Newswire is for educational or informational purposes only, and is not intended to diagnose or provide treatment for any condition. If you have any concerns about your own health, you should always consult with a healthcare professional. Healthnotes, Inc. shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Healthnotes and the Healthnotes logo are registered trademarks of Healthnotes, Inc.
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2:25:31 PM
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"The greatest science in the world; in heaven and on earth; is love." -- Mother Teresa
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1:27:11 PM
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© Copyright
2003
Rick@Leaders.net.
Last update:
1/2/2003; 11:40:47 AM.
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