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February 8, 2001 Research Update |
James Bogash, D.C. Mesa, AZ
info@lifecarechiro.com
www.lifecarechiro.com
Dietary fat and the risk of age-related macular degeneration
In this study, total fat intake was associated with an increase in the risk of AMD; however, fish was shown to be protective, so it would appear that monounsaturated fats found in fish, olive oil and cannola oil are most likely protective, and saturated fats (found in most of the foods in typical Western diet...) will increase the risk. This is really not a surprising article. Add in antioxidants with an affinity for the retina such as bilberry to a diet consisting of several servings of fish per week, and I'm sure your risk of AMD will drop even more. AJCN -- Abstracts: Cho et al. 73 (2): 209 http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/73/2/209
Soy isoflavones improve lipids in normal & mildly hypercholesterolemia
Soy is believed to act through several mechanisms (most centered on the liver) to lower cholesterol levels. The effect in this study was mild, but, as with any functional approach, with added exercise, lowering of refined carbs (high insulin will stimulate HMG-CoA reductase..the enzyme that makes cholesterol), nutrients designed to stimulate healthy liver and gall bladder function (to aid in the elimination of cholesterol through the feces) and avoidance of saturated fat and I'm the effect is no longer mild. AJCN -- Abstracts: Wangen et al. 73 (2): 225 http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/73/2/225
Effect of long-term changes in diet and exercise on plasma leptin
Leptin is one of the newly discovered hormone that is related to weight control in the body. Adipose tissue produces most of the body's leptin, and with high levels (as with insulin) it is believed that the body becomes resistant to the leptin, and it loses its ability to bring body weight down. This study shows that leptin levels are reduced by exercise. This is not a surprise, but adds further importance to the recommendation for exercise in any lifestyle improvement. AJCN -- Abstracts: Reseland et al. 73 (2): 240 http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/73/2/240
Calcium supplementation of chocolate: effect on digestibility and lipids
This article examines the effects of adding calcium to chocolate to lower the absorption of the fat. The addition of calcium carbonate lowered the absorption of lipids without affecting the taste. A few things to consider here. First, we all know that, if we knew a particular type of chocolate had less absorbable fat, we would just eat MORE of it (bottom line...by stock in Hershey's). Next, what does this tell you about how effective calcium carbonate is at getting into our bones, where we need it? Not very effective is lipids can effect its absorption. AJCN -- Abstracts: Shahkhalili et al. 73 (2): 246 http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/73/2/246
Stereoacuity at age 3.5 y in children: pre-, postnatal dietary factors
The idea that breastfeeding, which provides high levels of a the fatty acid DHA, which is responsible for healthy nervous system development, provides better development of visual acuity is not a new concept. The interesting part of this study is that mothers who ate diets high in fatty fish had a positive effect on their children as well. AJCN -- Abstracts: Williams et al. 73 (2): 316 http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/73/2/316
Probiotics in non-dairy foods; Lactobacillus plantarum 299v
This article once again reminds me that not all probiotics are created equal. The bacteria has to be non-pathogenic and adhere well to the mucosa as well as perform biological activities beneficial to the host (that's us...). Lactobacillus acidophilis strain DDS-1 is commonly used because it meets these criteria. The article examines another type of bacteria commonly in use. AJCN -- Abstracts: Molin 73 (2): 380S http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/73/2/380S
Clinical preventive services can provide excellent value
At first glance, this editorial sounds like the author may finally be grasping what prevention is. Read a little further, and you find that his definition of "prevention" includes many cancer screenings, blood pressure checks and vaccinations. I'm confused. How can a cancer screening (i.e. LOOKING for cancer) be considered preventative (PREVENTING cancer)? We are looking for the disease in a screening; not preventing the onset of the disease in the first place. Let's compare the cost effectiveness of a good quality multi on reduction in heart disease. And that same multi lowering risk of certain types of cancer. And preventing neural tube defects. The cost per lives saved would be a mere micro-fraction of similar "prentative" measures mentioned in this editorial. Why is the word prevention such a hard concept to grasp? Maybe the answer lies in the author's bio...worked for the CDC and then was hired by Merck Pharmaceuticals...Any conflict of interest here? wjm -- Teutsch 174 (2): 84 http://www.ewjm.com/cgi/content/full/174/2/84
Are antibiotics effective for adults and children with acute sore throats?
This is a Cochrane Collaboration review of the effectiveness of antibiotics for sore throat. The overall results did show that antibiotics were effective at reducing the symptoms by day 3. Interestingly, 22 studies were reviewed, and only four were recent; the majority were done in the 1950's. I'm sure much has changed in four decades. All of these studies compared antibiotics to placebo. I would like to see antibiotics compared to a functional approach; high does Vit C, echinacea, probiotics, plenty of water, elimination of refined carbs... I'm sure the natural approach would be at least as effective. And, knowing what research has shown us about the importance of normal flora, I'm sure the natural approach is much safer for the patient in the long run. wjm -- Del Mar et al. 174 (2): 112 http://www.ewjm.com/cgi/content-nw/full/174/2/112/TBL1