March 25, 2002 Research Update

James Bogash, D.C. Mesa, AZ
info@lifecarechiropractic.com
www.lifecarechiropractic.com

Impact of Breastfeeding on the Mobilization of Lead from Bone

This is not really a new revelation. However, I would like to bring a little more info to light. I believe that the lead is released along with calcium, and the calcium is released because of a lack of dietary absorption. That would make intake of calcium rich foods (such as green, leafy veggies) and calcium supplementation very important during breastfeeding. Also, do not think that the lead will not show up in the breast milk. Mercury from dental fillings has been shown to be present in breast milk--lead will not be much different. Am. J. Epidemiol. -- Abstracts: Téllez-Rojo et al. 155 (5): 420

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Benefits of soy isoflavone regimen on menopausal symptoms

While I'm sure none of you fell over in surprise at the finding of this article, the fact that this appears in Obstetrics and Gynecology is a shocker to me. I wouldn't have expected anything in this journal on this topic for at least 2 more decades... All sarcasm aside, remember that soy is just one tool in the natural approach to menopause. Evaluation and balance of adrenal function is another key approach to managing peri and postmenopausal signs and symptoms. ScienceDirect - Obstetrics & Gynecology: Benefits of soy isoflavone therapeutic regimen on menopausal symptoms - Guest

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Tomato Products, Lycopene, and Prostate Cancer Risk

I currently have a patient with metastatic prostate cancer to pelvic and hip bones. I'm working with his oncologist to clean up his lifestyle and improve his overall health. We have just started him on a program of lycopene supplements in an attempt to alter progression of the disease. I felt that the evidence was strong enough to support this approach. Cancer Spectrum: Giovannucci et al, pp. 391-398.

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Folic acid and plasma homocysteine in elderly

Folic acid seems to be one of the few exceptions when it comes to natural food vs supplement source. I almost invariably recommend food sources for nutrients, but folic acid levels in the literature that are high enough to have the best possible therapeutic effect can only be achieved with supplementation. This may be a factor of genetics; recall from previous Updates that about 25% of the population has a defect in the MHTFR gene and requires high levels of folic acid to produce the active form. As a side note, is it not ironic how researchers have long accepted the fact that folic acid, Vit B12 and Vit B6 can lower heart disease and are moving on to the specifics of this effect, and yet clinicians and patients are blissfully unaware that the relationship exists?? QJMed -- Abstracts: Rydlewicz et al. 95 (1): 27

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Hydrogenated, saturated fat on immune and inflammatory responses

Hydrogenated oils are one of those classes of fats that many patients are unaware of. Many fats are liquids are room temp which would make them unsuitable for processing and shelf life. These fats are forced to remain solid at room temp by a process called hydrogenation. Once again we have science mutating a healthy substance given us by Mother Nature, resulting in a perverted molecule with adverse effects on human health. I strongly recommend against hydrogenated oils as they have been linked to several types of cancer and cardiovascular disease. J. Lipid Res. -- Abstracts: Han et al. 43 (3): 445

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Age at acquisition of H pylori infection: study from infancy to adulthood

Geez!! I just LOVE this article!!! This article finds that a large chunk of the population actually acquires this bacteria before the age of ten and thus we should maybe focus therapy at this age group. If this is not the most short-sighted, blinders on conclusion than I'm not sure what is. So most people get the bug before age 10. How many 10 year olds do we have running around with H. pylori caused ulcers? Very, very few. This article makes it very apparent to me that H. pylori is not the sole cause of many, if not all ulcers. I would even go so far as to suggest that H. pylori could be considered opportunistic if not normal flora and does not cause problems until perturbations in the host's environment changes. When will we open our eyes and see this? The Journal : Current Issue

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Insulin Resistance and Endogenous NOS Inhibitor

Insulin had long been thought of as only aiding in clearing glucose from the bloodstream, but as our knowledge base increases we see insulin as a major player in function and dysfunction in human physiology. I believe that insulin may prove to be the contributing factor in a large percentage of patients with previously diagnosed "idiopathic" or "essential" hypertension. With the evidence currently available, an patient with hypertension should be counseled in managing insulin sensitivity. Relationship Between Insulin Resistance and an Endogenous Nitric Oxide Synthase Inhibitor

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Sweeping New Congressional Plan to Fight Cancer Is Previewed

Any regular reader of Research Updates hears time and time again of our everyday lifestyles' contribution to disease; cancer included. While I think that research aimed at "curing" cancer is important, I get so incredibly frustrated at the government and national organizations (American Cancer Society, American Heart Association...) always pushing for a "cure" with little or no effort at prevention. Untold billions of dollars have gone into both AIDS and cancer research, with relatively little contribution to the overall survival rates for either disease. If only 5% of the money spent on cancer research was funneling into educating the public on preventative measures, the results could be staggering. I can say with full confidence that most patients who come through my office have no idea about the difference between refined carbs and whole grains...education on this aspect alone would have a tremendous impact on cancer, heart disease and diabetes risk at a minute fraction of the cost of a "cure." Sometimes I truly believe they'll never get it... Sweeping New Congressional Plan to Fight Cancer Is Previewed

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