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July 8, 2002 Research Update |
James Bogash, D.C. Mesa, AZ
info@lifecarechiro.com
www.lifecarechiro.com
Dietary Intake of Antioxidants and Risk of Alzheimer Disease
Gosh...what more can I add here? The concept that antioxidants can impact chronic disease is far, far from new. Here we see that intakes of Vitamins C and E lower risk of AD. I would strongly add that anyone at risk or concerned about AD evaulate the potential for gluten insensitivity. Transglutaminase is probably one of the better lad values used to check for this. Patients with gluten insensitivity have shown higher likelihood of plaguing on the brain as well as increased risk for AD. As a quick story, I had a patient in several weeks ago that was put on dapsone (an antibacterial drug commonly used in leprosy) a decade ago for dermatitis herpetiformis (a skin condition associated with gluten insensitivity). He was told that wheat-free diets were too difficult and that this drug was a lifetime therapy. HUH??? At what point did common sense leave the medical profession?? This poor patient was clearly allergic to gluten and was likely doing additional damage to other organ systems, but never mind that--just take the drug. After a brief conversation he was off to buy books on wheat-free living.
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Anti-leukotrienes as add-on therapy to inhaled glucocorticoids in asthma
Can't help but see those smiling adds for Singulair on TV, can you? Geez, with all that money going into advertising, this drug must surely have been proven in clinical trials, right? The correct answer would be NO. I don't remember seeing that mentioned in the commercials, though. This meta analysis shows a lack of efficacy in this treatment. Funny how strong the double standard is in medicine...
bmj.com Abstracts: Ducharme 324 (7353): 1545
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Impaired Carotid Viscoelastic Properties w/ Polycystic Ovaries
The picture of insulin resistance, polycystic ovaries, and cardiovascular disease gets clearer with each research paper. Insulin affects conversion of testesterone to estrogen via 15,20 lyase and aromatase enzymes, leading to increased levels of testesterone. The increased testosterone strongly predisposes to PCOS. On the vascular side of the picture, insulin has been shown to reduce to "stretchiness" of arteries. Here we see A=B, B=C, with research to support A=C.
Circulation -- Abstracts: Lakhani et al. 106 (1): 81
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Cardiovascular Disease Outcomes During 6.8 Years of Hormone Therapy
I hate to beat a dead, crumbling dog, but I'm still confused as to why Premarin is one of the top few prescription drugs. No benefit and possible increased risk for heart disease. Increased risk for breast and endometrial cancer. Little, if any benefit on bone health. No benefit for Alzheimer's disease. What the hell is left?? Hot flashes? Those respond very readily to phytoestrogens and progesterone cream. I'm scratching my head on this one....
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Non-CVD Disease Outcomes During 6.8 Years of Hormone Therapy
Oops, did I forget increased risk for gallstones requiring surgery and venous thromboembolism (potentially leading to pulmonary embolism or stroke)??
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Flavonoids of Cocoa Inhibit Recombinant Human 5-Lipoxygenase
I'm not saying we need to run out and inhale Hershey's bars, but cocoa does seem to consistently achieve benefits from it's flavonoid (epicatechin and catechin polyphenols--similar to those in green tea) components. Remember here that we are talking about cocoa--not the chemically treated and milk mixed chocalate that we normally think of. If it is chocolate your trying hard to justify (and aren't we all?) stick with dark chocolate.
nutrition.org -- Abstracts: Schewe et al. 132 (7): 1825
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Supplemental Zinc Lowers Iron Status
This is definately something to consider when it comes to zinc supplementation. The idea that zinc and copper are competitors is well known to me, but zinc and iron, I must admit, is new.
nutrition.org -- Abstracts: Donangelo et al. 132 (7): 1860
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Soy Milk Lowers Blood Pressure in Mild to Moderate Hypertension
Soy milk is such an easy thing to add into a healthy lifestyle. It's nice to see a study on the food as opposed to extracts.
nutrition.org -- Abstracts: Rivas et al. 132 (7): 1900
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Resveratrol Enhances Differentiation Induced by Butyrate
This study on colon cancer cells shows an additive effect of resveratrol (found in red wine and peanuts) and butyrate (a short chain fatty acid formed by bacteria acting on soluble fiber in the gut). With studies like this, we start to see why certain traditional diets have the health -promoting effects they have. The Mediterranean diet has already show to be beneficial via increased absorption of lycopene (fat soluble carotenoid) with olive oil intake. This research study mechanism would find lower rates of colon cancer in patients combining wine intake with whole grains.
nutrition.org -- Abstracts: Wolter and Stein 132 (7): 2082
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