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January 21, 2004 Research Update |
James Bogash, D.C. Mesa, AZ
info@lifecarechiro.com
www.lifecarechiro.com
High omega-3 Fatty Acid Content in Alpine Cheese
I'm not sure I've ever heard of alpine cheese, but it is well accepted that the feed given to livestock and cattle can have a drastic impact on the end product. In this case, the cheese from dairy cattle in the vicinity of the Alps has a much higher content of omega-3 fatty acids.
Circulation -- Abstracts: Hauswirth et al. 109 (1): 103
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Lactobacillus plantarum 299: Beneficial in vitro immunomodulation in cells extracted from inflamed human colon
I realize the title is enough to make most heads spin, but the basic idea is that these bacteria in our gut, be they good or bad, do have an impact on our overall health. This is something that is incredibly well accepted in the medical literature and virtually unheard of in clinical practice. In yet another supportive study, these authors found that probiotics had the ability to restore some balance to the immune system via modulation of intercellular messengers called cytokines. My gosh. When are we going to realize that the rampant overuse of antibiotics, not followed by probiotics, has implications beyond antibiotic resistant organisms?
Lactobacillus plantarum 299: Beneficial in vitro immunomodulation in cells extracted from inflamed human colon - J Gastroente..
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Global Assessment of Organic Contaminants in Farmed Salmon
I have always recommended avoiding farm raised fish because they are typically fed feeds high in omega-6 fatty acids, total voiding the beneficial effects attributed to fish via the omega-3 fatty acids. Here we see another reasons to avoid--frequent contamination with organochlorine chemicals. Do we need any more reasons? By the way, wild salmon is generally healthy and does not seem to retain the heavy metals other fishes like tuna and mahi do.
Science -- Abstracts: Hites et al. 303 (5655): 226
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Melatonin in Patients with Reduced REM Sleep Duration: Two Randomized Controlled Trials
I usually hesitate to use melatonin in most cases, and would prefer valerian root and/or snacks high in tryptophan (bananas, sunflower seeds) as a first line approach. I view melatonin as a powerful hormone that has the ability to impact many aspects of physiology. However, in patients on a weird sleep schedule (midnights, travel) I have found it to work very well. Considering how many patients I see that have been given Ambien or some other such drug to sleep, the fact that melatonin induces REM sleep and Ambien doesn't this should be a no-brainer.
JCEM -- Abstracts: Kunz et al. 89 (1): 128
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Vitamin D intake and incidence of multiple sclerosis
Vitamin D formation in the human body is a complex and interesting process. Sunlight exposure on the skin converts a pro-hormone Vit D to it's next form which is then converted in the kidneys and liver to the active form 1,25 hydroxyvitamin D3. This process is severely blunted in patients using sunscreen and obviously those staying out of the sun. Considering that every cell in the body has a receptor for 1,25 hydroxyvitamin D3, the effects on every aspect of our health cannot be understated. It has been well accepted that Vitamin D metabolism being reduced the farther you go from the equator is one of the risk factors for MS.
Neurology -- Abstracts: Munger et al. 62 (1): 60
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Antigliadin antibodies in Huntington's disease
Gluten insensitivity, Coeliac disease--whatever you call it, the impacts on those with the sensivity is great. A recent review in the Updates showed that those with celiac disease had an overall greater mortality rate. With the advent of commercially grown grains, the gluten content has increased in an attempt for the plant to store the excess nitrogen. This, coupled with the ubiquitous presence in processed foods, are probably the main contributors to the common nature of this condition.
Neurology -- Abstracts: Bushara et al. 62 (1): 132
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Antibiotic use and the development of Crohn's disease
Refer back to my ranting and raving at the beginning of this update. It doesn't take too much to follow the physiology: antibiotic destroys normal flora, pathogenic bacteria and yeast coupled with the loss of our gut's protective mechanism leads to overall increased inflammation in the gut.
Gut -- Abstracts: Card et al. 53 (2): 246
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Butterbur, a herbal remedy, confers complementary anti-inflammatory activity in asthmatic patients receiving inhaled corticosteroids
This is a wonderful example of how mainstream medicine and natural medicine can work together to enhance each other's effectiveness.
Butterbur, a herbal remedy, confers complementary anti-inflammatory activity in asthmatic patients receiving inhaled corticos..
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Effect of physical activity on serum C-reactive protein
I find it interesting that this study was funded in part by Bristol-Myers-Squib, a drug company. That aside, there are currently ongoing trials looking for drugs to lower CRP levels. We have a medical establishment not willing to fully admit the impact of chronic inflammation on many aspects of health, but yet trials are underway to lower CRP levels with drugs. The cynic in me would suggest that, as soon as a drug is developed to lower CRP, the editorials will come piling in suggesting that inflammation is a major causative factor in CVD. Exercise and lowering refined carb intake will both easily and safely lower CRP levels already. How bout shifting all that money for R & D somewhere more useful?
Cardiosource
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Cardiovascular Effects of NO Synthase Inhibition w/ Asymmetrical Dimethylarginine
Biochemistry 501. ADMA is a compound that can be considered to alter ego of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is a vasodilator and opens up blood vessels and lowers BP. When ADMA levels go up, the enzyme that produces nitric oxide is inhibited, thus resulting in negative effects on blood pressure and blood vessels. So what causes ADMA levels to go up? Back to our ole' friend hyperinsulinemia. Elevated insulin inhibits the enzyme that breaks ADMA levels. I know I sound like a broken record, but I feel Syndrome X is probably the #1 condition that negatively impacts health in the developed nations, albeit indirectly. Yet it remains the big,huge, gargantuan, super-sized neon purple and construction orange elephant in the clinician's room.
Circulation -- Abstracts: Kielstein et al. 109 (2): 172
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