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August 7, 2000 Research Update |
Acupuncture wins BMA approval
This therapy is becoming more widely accepted by the medical profession in England.
bmj.com Silvert 321 (7252): 11b
Belgium orders cancer tests after herbal remedy alert
This is another example of why you should consult a physician knowledgable in natural medicine before trying something recommended online, by a friend or by the sales clerk at one of those chain stores.
Nonfiber Carbohydrate Increases Risk of Colorectal Cancer
Many studies have shown an increase in several types of cancer from consumption of refined grains (i.e. enriched wheat flour). On the flip side, whole grains have unquestionably shown to reduce risks of most of these same types of cancers, as well as heart disease, osteoporosis, diabetes and many others. This is a fact that all those "high protein gurus" seem to forget about when they recommend staying away from all carbs.
Individuals who consume the highest amounts of digestible carbohydrate — the nonfiber "effective" component of carbohydrate — have a twofold increased risk for developing colorectal cancer compared with those who eat the lowest amounts, Canadian researchers reported at the Society for Epidemiologic research meeting in Seattle, Washington, last week.
Physician Group Accuses EPA of Endangering Children's Health
It gets a little scary when you really start to evaluate the sheer numbers of toxic chemicals that our children are exposed to with today's lifestyle. Don't forget to note the mention of Diaxone in dairy products...
The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) says the Environmental Protection Agency is "mounting a massive delay strategy" instead of taking steps to reduce levels of known hazardous chemicals to which children are exposed. "Rather than inform parents about the possible sources of dangerous chemicals or take aggressive steps to get rid of them, the EPA is proposing to conduct an endless series of animal tests to estimate what levels of toxins our kids should be expected to tolerate," charged PCRM president Dr. Neal D. Barnard at a press conference here Wednesday. Top carcinogens on PCRM's hit list are high environmental lead concentrations, mercury, and DDT. The physician's group also says that tetrachloroethylene, a chemical used for dry cleaning; toluene, produced during the process of making gasoline; and tribromomethane, used for mineral ore separation, are all materials that have been established as "probable human carcinogens by the FDA. Dr. Barnard said that the EPA's role should be to warn parents about the known dangers of chemicals. "EPA's announcement that Diaxone is present in dairy products was a good start," Dr. Barnard said, "because it at least lets the consumer know where the chemicals are, so they can decide if it is worth the risk."
Applying Sunscreen May Give Sunbathers a False Sense of Security
This study suggests that use of sunscreen may increase your risk of melanoma by promoting longer sun exposure periods.
Int J Cancer 2000;87:145-150 Sunscreen use is not associated with a reduced risk of melanoma, according to study results in the July 1st issue of the International Journal of Cancer. The risk is increased, Dr. Johan Westerdahl and colleagues from University Hospital, Lund, Sweden, report, because sunscreens permit longer exposure to the sun. Several epidemiologic studies, including one performed by Dr. Westerdahl's group in 1995, have suggested an association between sunscreen use and an increased risk of melanoma. Sunscreens are being used incorrectly, according to the team, and the components of sunscreens are not carcinogenic. Rather, it appears that sunscreen use "influence[s] melanoma risk by increasing the amount of UV radiation delivered to the skin," the authors write. Dr. Westerdahl and colleagues say that these findings "substantiate the hypothesis that sunscreen use, by permitting more time sunbathing, is associated with melanoma occurrence."