Thursday, July 01, 2004

CUTTING EDGE RESEARCH ON STROKES Add a nutritional supplement,  L-carnitine to the list of cutting-edge stroke treatments (and possibly, a preventative as well). While virtually unknown in the US, this common amino acid is routinely administered in the ER of most hospitals in Western Europe upon admission for stroke. Adequate levels of this nutrient allow the brain to use one-third the oxygen that it would normally burn by allowing fats to be used instead of glucose for fuel. This helps injured tissue survive. Individuals who are prone to strokes or who have high risk for stroke can take L-carnitine prophylactically. Typically, 350-mg capsules taken twice daily are prescribed. There are neither known side effects nor significant drug interactions. This may enhance the uptake of some pharmaceuticals, so it is important to discuss this and all other patient-initiated interventions with your primary care physician. Always err on the side of safety. 4:50:28 PM    comment [] THREE CHEERS FOR BEER! Heart patients can benefit from alcoholic beverages, researchers say..What fun. A study in the May 20, 2000 British Medical Journal announced that the authors had found a protective effect of beer drinking against heart attacks among middle aged men in the Czech Republic. Over 900 men who drank only beer were studied.  Those who drank 5 to 9 liters per week were less than half as likely to have a heart attack than those who drank no beer. http://bmj.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/full/320/7246/1378 4:46:40 PM    comment []

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