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November 1, 2001 Research Update |
James Bogash, D.C. Mesa, AZ
info@lifecarechiro.com
www.lifecarechiro.com
DHEA in Healthy Men with an Age-Related Decline of DHEA Secretion
This is an interesting article that address the normal process of reduced DHEA secretion as we get older. Remember that DHEA is produced in the adrenal cortex from cholesterol and goes on to produce estrogen, testosterone and progesterone. In previous Updates, I've mentioned that many people believe that the body deliberately downregulates production of certain hormones as a protective mechanism to protect against age related changes. This study found no changes in healthy adult males after 4 months of DHEA supplementation. Personally, in patients with low DHEA levels I feel it would be safer to support the adrenal glands and let them do what they're supposed to do. JCEM -- Abstracts: Arlt et al. 86 (10): 4686 http://jcem.endojournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/86/10/4686
Melatonin Treatment for Age-Related Insomnia
This study found that melatonin supplementation in the elderly helped to restore normal sleep cycles. A few things to note here--melatonin restores normal sleep, unlike the pharmaceutical sleep aids which interfere with REM sleep. Also, the lowest dose used in the study was just as effective as the higher dose without alterations in daytime levels of melatonin. Remember--if a little is good, more is not always better! JCEM -- Abstracts: Zhdanova et al. 86 (10): 4727 http://jcem.endojournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/86/10/4727
Adrenocortical Suppression in Asthmatic Children on Inhaled Steroid
This study used serum DHEA-S levels as a marker to determine that the adrenal glands are suppressed by inhaled steroid use. First of all, I prefer to use salivary levels--much easier to obtain and it measures the physiologically active form of the hormones. Next, this article should raise some major alarms in anyone concerned about what we're doing to out children. Adrenal suppression in children can have major deleterious effects as that child develops. And remember--these were with INHALED steroids... JCEM -- Abstracts: Kannisto et al. 86 (10): 4908 http://jcem.endojournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/86/10/4908
Muscle Eccentric Exercise: Influence of Ibuprofen Acetaminophen
This is an interesting concept for all those weightlifters who frequently medicate their aches and pains with over the counter analgesics. This study shows that dosages of ibuprofen and acetaminophen (Tylenol) can inhibit the muscles' ability to build after eccentric resistance exercises. Not to mention the fact that these have damaging effects on the GI tract, liver, kidneys and joint cartilage... My recommendation to weight lifters that rely on OTC pain meds--find a good chiropractors so you don't need the pain relief. And, if you're worried about post workout soreness, try proteolytic enzymes after a workout. JCEM -- Abstracts: Trappe et al. 86 (10): 5067 http://jcem.endojournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/86/10/5067
Ghrelin, a Natural GH Secretagogue Produced by the Stomach, Induces Hyperglycemia and Reduces Insulin Secretion in Humans
This is more of an FYI. Keep an eye on this hormone. It is just now finding it's way into the limelight and will most likely be a target of some new drugs coming down the pipeline. It is only a matter of time, however, before we find out how certain vitamins, minerals, herbs and foods affect ghrelin levels. JCEM -- Abstracts: Broglio et al. 86 (10): 5083 http://jcem.endojournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/86/10/5083
Improvement of symptoms in infant colic with lactase
This is such a simple and easy approach to any infant sufferring with colic. Remember to add in probiotics as well. Synergy : Journal of Human Nutrition & Dietetics 14 (5), 359-363 http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/Journals/content/abstracts/jhn/2001/14/5/abstract_jhn304.asp?journal=jhn&issueid=7404&artid=135270&cid=jhn.2001.5&ftype=abstracts
Lactulose may help prevent urinary tract infections
This is an interesting editorial that really opens my eyes to something I've seen in practice. While I jump at the chance to recommend probiotics as a vaginal douche to help with UTIs or yeast infections, I have had patients whose irritation has resolved with oral probiotic use. This always surprised me; this article suggests that oral probiotics can lower the load of pathogenic bacteria reaching the stool and thereby lower risk of translocation to the urinary tract. Interesting concept that may have answered this dilema for me. bmj.com Battle et al. 323 (7318): 936 http://bmj.com/cgi/content/full/323/7318/936
Vit C Inhibits Endothelial Cell Apoptosis in Congestive Heart Failure
In case you hadn't already, make sure you add Vit C to the list of nutrients essential in managing cardiovascular disease. Personally I take 2,000 mg per day, but there are many instances when I recommend dosages about this. And remember that Vit E and C have a synergistic effect when taken together. Circulation -- Abstracts: Rössig et al. 104 (18): 2182 http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/104/18/2182