October 24, 2002 Research Update

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

Expansion of Eligibility for Influenza Vaccine for Children's Program

I'm sorry, but the arrogance of medicine never ceases to amaze me. For the entire history of man, our immune systems, with complexity and wisdom modern science can only dream about, have dealt with countless assults by viruses, bacteria and foreign chemicals. But now we feel that this is not good enough--we have to immunize everyone whether they are at "risk" or not. Thank you...I feel much better having vented...

Notice to Readers: Expansion of Eligibility for Influenza Vaccine Through the Vaccines for Children Program

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Effect of Pneumovax II vaccination in high-risk individuals

The review article predicts only a 30% response to vaccine against the bacteria Pneumococci in high risk adults. You can assume that this response would drop even further in the general population. However, don't start thinking that this would effect a nationwide push for mass vaccination. I would personally put my money on lifestyle changes designed to support and stimulate the immune system...

Huo et al.: Effect of Pneumovax(R) II...

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High Antioxidant Activity Reverse Age-Induced Decreases in Cerebellar beta-Adrenergic Function and Increases in Proinflammatory Cytokines

While this article has some very interesting aspects (including the ability to reverse damage to the brain), clinically, the ability of spirulina to lower TNF-alpha levels was most significant. This would definately put spirulina on the necessary list of nutrients with the potential to positively affect conditions such as Crohn's and rheumatoid arthritis.

J. Neurosci. -- Abstracts: Gemma et al. 22 (14): 6114

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Glucosamine Sulfate Use Delays Progression of Knee Osteoarthritis

While this is probably not a surprise to many, I thought I would include this. For the amount of evidence supporting its safety and effectiveness, this nutrient is still not used to the full extent it should be. Interesting that there are no huge news releases from major orthopedic associations such as "glucosamine use should be expanded to include patients with these indicators..." such as we see frequently with pharmaceutical drugs such as cholesterol lowering meds.

Glucosamine Sulfate Use and Delay of Progression of Knee Osteoarthritis: A 3-Year, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-bli..

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Mucosal TNF-alpha production in Crohn's disease downregulated by probiotic bacteria

Research articles like this just bring tears to my eyes. Probiotics are showing efficacy and high levels of safety in a wide variety of GI conditions (and their associated systematic manifestations). Like many other natural therapies, however, their use is still rare. Here we see probiotics lowering the amount of inflammation at the mucosal level of the GI tract. Remember, this is similiar to what the new class of drugs for Crohns' and RA do--the drugs block the effect of TNF-alpha. What still surprises me is that, despite all the research on the benefits of probiotics, we still view antibiotic resistance as the major concern with rampant antibitotic use. I have always considered the destruction of natural flora as the most important bad side effect...

Gut -- Abstracts: Borruel et al. 51 (5): 659

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Duct Tape vs Cryotherapy in Treatment of Verruca Vulgaris (Warts)

I just had to include this one. Personally I had never heard of this type of therapy, but as a guy believing that duct tape is one of man's best inventions, this article turns my tool cart into a potential therapy. Not only do we find duct tape more effective, but I would guess that the $4 for a roll of duct tape is hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars cheaper!!

The Efficacy of Duct Tape vs Cryotherapy in the Treatment of Verruca Vulgaris (the Common Wart)

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Mistletoe enhances immune response to intranasally HSV

This article presents a useful therapeutic path for the use of mistletoe. In this study, mistletoe application induced the Th-2 cytokine pathway (search the website for more info on Th1/Th2 cytokine responses), making this a potential therapy for Th1 dominated conditions such as multiple sclerosis and RA. It makes sense that use of mistletoe may help pull the immune system away from a Th1 dominated bias.

Synergy Abstract

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