James Bogash, D.C. Mesa, AZ
info@lifecarechiropractic.com
www.lifecarechiropractic.com
Proton pump inhibitor may lead to cancer
Many of the drugs used to treat ulcers today are being used for long periods, although the long term research has never been done. Most patients with ulcers make too little stomach acid, NOT too much. So the use of drugs to reduce this production disrupts an incredibly important process. The acid is needed to absorb many essential nutrients (calcium, Vit B12, iron…), acitivate most digestive enzymes and kill off bacteria in the upper GI tract that aren’t supposed to be there. The use of “acid blockers” in this study confirms the increase in bad bacteria producing acetaldehyde, a known carcinogen, in the upper GI tract. Synergy Abstract http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/journals/processfree2.asp?contentid=apt%2E2000%2E14&filetype=abstracts&article=75839
HDL raising effect of orange juice in hypercholesterolemia
There are several ways to lower cholesterol levels safely, and increasing intake of fruits and veggies is such a wonderful way. In addition to helping with cholesterol, it will also lower your risk of many other diseases. Adding exercise will also increase HDL levels, as well as the addition of soy to your diet. Want a great cholesterol fighter? How about a smoothie made at home? Frozen yogurt, toss in some probiotics, filitered water, ice and several servings of fruit. Drink it on your way to work!! AJCN — Abstracts: Kurowska et al. 72 (5): 1095 http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/72/5/1095
Heavy coffee consumption and plasma homocysteine
I know I’ll get shot for this one, but the evidence is mounting that coffee may increase your risk of heart disease through homocysteine. Can’t give up your coffee? Try increasing your intake of whole grains to up your B vitamins to lower that homocysteine level. AJCN — Abstracts: Urgert et al. 72 (5): 1107 http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/72/5/1107
Effects of dietary fructose on plasma lipids in healthy subjects
With the increased intake of high-fructose containing soda and drinks, this is definitely a contributing factor in the rise in cholesterol levels in certain patients. remember that fruit also contains fructose, but the additional nutrients (fiber, bioflavenoids…) far override any effects on lipid levels. AJCN — Abstracts: Bantle et al. 72 (5): 1128 http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/72/5/1128
Folate intake, lifestyle factors, and homocysteine concentrations
As far as the research community is concerned, homocysteine is well established as an independent risk factor for heart disease. Unfortunately, clinicians have not quite caught up. This is unacceptable based on the evidence that simple supplementation with folic acid, B12 and B6 can reduce levels. AJCN — Abstracts: Rasmussen et al. 72 (5): 1156 http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/72/5/1156
Some Herbs Should Be Avoided by Nursing Mothers
This article mentions funugreek, comfrey and St. John’s wort use in pregnancy. While care should always be used with pregnancy, it does amaze me that authors will suggest avoidance of St John’s wort during nursing, but continuing with pharmaceutical antidepressants is acceptable.
(article) Two popular herbal remedies for nursing mothers — fenugreek and comfrey — can pose a health risk to their infants, according to Dr. Ruth A. Lawrence, who reviewed the use of herbs by breast-feeding mothers at a presentation during the annual meeting of the American Academy of Pediatrics. While there is no proof of its benefit, Dr. Lawrence said that there “are data about the risks. Specifically it can cause hypoglycemia in the nursing mother and it can raise blood pressure.” She said that in some infants fenugreek has been associated with increased “colic and diarrhea.” While she advises women to avoid fenugreek, comfrey is “much more dangerous and is banned in Canada.” Comfrey is rubbed on the nipples of nursing women to prevent dryness and cracking, she said. “But it does pass to the infant,” she said, and has been associated with hepatic veno-occlusive disease in infants. She recommends that physicians caution nursing mothers who have postpartum depression that self-medicating with St. John’s wort may be risky. She said that although studies have demonstrated some efficacy for St. John’s wort, “those studies were done in men, not women. Also, St. John’s wort does contain a serotonin reuptake inhibitor, but because the FDA does not regulate herbs there is no way to determine how much of the SSRI is passed to the infant.” In concluding, Dr. Lawrence said that nursing mothers should be steered away from most herbs, but “there are some teas that I can recommend for women who want a nice herbal tea. Chicory, peppermint, orange spice and red bush tea are all fine. Rose hips is an especially good tea because it has a very high concentration of vitamin C.”
Diet, infection and wheezy illness:lessons from adults
This article is suggesting that the predisposition for allergies and asthma may begin as early as the womb. Intake of adequate levels of Vit E and C may be instrumental to the developing fetus’ immune system. Incidence of these diseases are also strongly linked to diet, namely saturated fats and Vit E and C status. Synergy Abstract http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/journals/processfree2.asp?contentid=pai%2E2000%2E4&filetype=abstracts&article=77875