Your Meal Beverage Choice . . .

. . . May Affect the Healthfulness of Your Diet

By Denise Reynolds RD on May 15, 2012 - 9:10am for eMaxHealth

 

When you sit down to a restaurant meal, the first choice you often make is what to drink. Pay close attention to what you choose, as this could set the stage for the overall healthfulness of the meal you are about to eat.

A study from researchers at the University of Oregon and Michigan State University find that if you choose water over a sweetened beverage, such as soda, you are more likely to eat more fruits and vegetables with your meal.

T. Bettina Cornwell PhD (UO) and Dr. Anna R. McAlister (MSU) surveyed 60 young US adults between the ages of 19 and 23 about their food-and-drink pairings. They found that those who choose sodas often go on to eat salty-calorie dense foods such as French fries. A second survey found a similar situation among children. Preschoolers aged 3 to 5 were tested on different days under differing scenarios and when they drank water with meals versus a soft drink, they were more likely to eat raw vegetables, such as carrots or raw peppers.

Overall, water is crucial to good health. Every system in the body depends upon water which helps transport nutrients and oxygen into cells, aids with metabolism, regulates body temperature, and detoxifies.

As a weight loss tool, drinking adequate amounts of water, especially before eating a meal, has been linked with eating fewer calories because of a feeling of fullness. A study presented at the American Chemical Society two years ago found that those who drank two 8-ounce glasses of water before breakfast, lunch, and dinner were better able to cut back on portion sizes resulting in weight loss success.

The current study builds on evidence that Cornwell and McAlister discovered last January. The authors state that food-and-drink combinations are preferences that are developed early in life. A child’s taste preferences, for example, are related to their knowledge about fast foods and sodas.

"From a policy perspective, this means that we need focus on early preference formation," said Dr. McAlister. "If the drink on the table sets the odds against both adults and children eating their vegetables, then perhaps it is time to change that drink, and replace it with water."

"Addressing the early contributors of unhealthy eating that contribute to obesity is important for our general well-being as a nation and, especially, for improving the nutritional choices our children will make over their lifetimes," adds Kimberly Andrews Espy, vice president for research and innovation at the UO.

McAlister suggests that restaurants serving kid’s meal combinations offer water as the default and charge extra for other drink alternatives.

Journal Reference:
T. Bettina Cornwall, Anna R. McAlisterb. Contingent Choice: Exploring the Relationship Between Sweetened Beverages and Vegetable Consumption.Appetite, 2012 (accepted) DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2012.05.001

http://www.emaxhealth.com/1506/your-meal-beverage-choice-may-affect-healthfulness-your-diet

Excess Sugar Rots Your Teeth - And Your Brain

By Denise Reynolds RD on May 18, 2012 - 7:52am for eMaxHealth

We know that sugar is not good for our waistline. We keep it out of our children’s diets for fear of cavities. But did you also know that eating a diet full of excess sugar - particularly high fructose corn syrup - is also really bad for the brain?

High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a common added sweetener in processed foods and beverages. Research studies have yielded mixed results about possible adverse effects from consuming too much of the additive, especially cardiovascular risks. However, consumption of excess sugar overall has been linked to health ills such as weight gain, dental caries (cavities), poor nutrition, and high triglyceride levels.

In a new study, Fernando Gomez-Pinilla PhD of the University of California-Los Angeles and colleagues studied the effects of high-fructose corn syrup in laboratory rats. Two groups of animals were given HFCS as part of their water supply; however, one group was additionally given omega-3 fatty acids as part of their diet. The rats were trained on a maze prior to the diet changes and evaluated again after six weeks.

The rats who were fed HFCS only were slower navigating the maze than those who had omega-3 fatty acid supplementation. The researchers also noted a decline in brain activity in those with the high sugar diet alone. They theorize that insulin resistance prevented synaptic responses in the brain from working properly. Synapses are the chemical connections between brain cells that enable learning and memory.

High Fructose Corn Syrup has also been linked to high blood pressure, also bad for brain health.

"Our findings illustrate that what you eat affects how you think," said Dr. Gomez-Pinilla, a professor of neurosurgery at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and a professor of integrative biology and physiology in the UCLA College of Letters and Science. "Eating a high-fructose diet over the long term alters your brain's ability to learn and remember information.

The average American consumes over 40 pounds of high-fructose corn syrup each year, according to the US Department of Agriculture. Some researchers believe that this particular type of sugar is metabolized differently in the body than regular table sugar (sucrose), leading to high blood sugar and increased insulin secretion. But keep in mind that added sugar from any source is not recommended by health experts, especially those at the American Heart Association. The AHA recommends that men should consume no more than 150 calories per day from added sugar (about 9 teaspoons) and women, no more than 100 calories per day (6 teaspoons).

Cutting back on processed and packaged foods can cut back on a number of unhealthy nutrients, including excess sugar and high fructose corn syrup. Instead, snack on vegetables, fruit, low-fat cheese, whole-grain crackers and low-fat yogurt. Also, trading sugar sweetened beverages for water is more healthful overall.

But, even if you enjoy a treat now and then, the researchers note that the simple addition of Omega-3 fatty acids may help limit some of the damage that HFCS does to the brain. This healthful fat may help to reinforce the synapses and protect them. Craving a soda or a baked dessert? Be sure to also eat foods high in omega-3’s such as salmon, flax seed oil, and walnuts.

Source Reference:
R. Agrawal, F. Gomez-Pinilla. 'Metabolic syndrome' in the brain: deficiency in omega-3 fatty acid exacerbates dysfunctions in insulin receptor signalling and cognition. The Journal of Physiology, 2012; 590 (10): 2485 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2012.230078

http://www.emaxhealth.com/1506/excess-sugar-rots-your-teeth-and-your-brain

Antioxidant Supplements of No Benefit in Preventing Alzheimers Disease

By Denise Reynolds RD on March 25, 2012 - 5:57pm for eMaxHealth

Most studies on dietary supplements are mixed. While foods rich in certain nutrients appear to be protective, taking those same vitamins in a pill often don’t have the same positive effect. The same may be true about taking antioxidant supplements in hopes of preventing Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

Antioxidant nutrients combat the oxidative damage done to our bodies every day. Metabolic reactions produce free radicals that interact with other molecules and cause damage to proteins, membranes, and genes. This influences the aging process and is linked to diseases including cancer and Alzheimer’s. Previous studies indicate that oxidative damage is widespread among people with AD.

Although increasing intake of antioxidants can boost the body’s ability to defend itself against oxidative damage, a recent study by researchers with the Department of Neuroscience at the University of California San Diego finds that supplementing certain individual antioxidant nutrients to the diet does not appear to affect certain biomarkers linked to Alzheimer’s disease.

Dr. Douglas R. Galasko and colleagues studied oxidative stress, cognition and function in 78 patients enrolled in the Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study (ADCS) Antioxidant Biomarker Study. The patients were randomized into one of three groups. The first took 800 IU per day of vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol), plus 500 mg of vitamin C and 900 mg of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA).

Because the brain has a high oxygen consumption rate and abundant polyunsaturated acids in the neuron cell membranes, vitamin E is thought to provide protection against free radical damage. Vitamin C, in addition to being an antioxidant, is also needed for the growth and repair of all tissues in the body. Alpha-lipoic acid is found in every cell and helps turn glucose into energy. ALA can help regenerate other antioxidant nutrients as well as act as an antioxidant on its own. Alpha-lipoic acid also passes easily into the brain, possibly helping to protect nerve tissue.

A second group of patients took 400 mg of coenzyme Q three times a day. CoQ is an antioxidant naturally found in the body and is needed for normal cell reactions. Although the nutrient is often promoted as a memory enhancer, there is not enough research yet to prove this is an effective therapy.

The third group of study participants took a placebo.

Sixty-six of the patients provided serial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples adequate enough for analysis during the 16 week trial. The researchers tested for certain protein biomarkers that related to beta-amyloid plaque buildup and tau-based neurofibrillary tangles which interrupt communication within the brain.

Although the group taking the E/C/ALA supplement combination showed a 19% reduction in an oxidative stress CSF biomarker called F2-isoprostane, there was a concerna bout the rapid decline in cognitive function in this group, as assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).

"It is unclear whether the relatively small reduction in CSF F2-isoprostane level seen in this study may lead to clinical benefits in AD. The more rapid MMSE score decline raises a caution and indicates that cognitive performance would need to be assessed if a longer-term clinical trial of this antioxidant combination is considered," they conclude.

Source Reference:
Douglas R. Galasko; et al. Antioxidants for Alzheimer Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial With Cerebrospinal Fluid Biomarker Measures. Arch Neurol, Mar 2012; doi:10.1001/archneurol.2012.85

http://www.emaxhealth.com/1506/antioxidant-supplements-no-benefit-preventing-alzheimers-disease

Coffee Reduces Risk of Alzheimer's Disease: Direct Evidence

By Deborah Mitchell on June 5, 2012 - 8:46am for eMaxHealth

It would be too bold a move at this point to say that drinking coffee prevents Alzheimer's disease. However, the results of a new study indicate that older adults with mild memory problems who drink a moderate amount of coffee each day will not progress to Alzheimer's disease or at least will have a significant delay before converting to this most common type of dementia.

The good news about coffee and caffeine

One of the first things to point out about this study is that it involved the use of caffeinated coffee--not decaf. In fact, the investigators measured levels of caffeine in the study participants' blood and from there determined that about three cups of coffee daily was the "magic" number needed to achieve the benefits observed in the study.

Here's what the investigators discovered among the 124 individuals ages 65 to 88 who participated in the study. The researchers focused on people with early signs of Alzheimer's disease, a condition called mild cognitive impairment (MCI), as about 15% of people with MCI progress to full-blown Alzheimer's disease each year.

• Blood caffeine levels at the beginning of the study were 51% lower in participants who had MCI that progressed to dementia during the two-to-four year follow-up than those whose MCI remained stable during the same time period
• None of the participants with MCI who later developed Alzheimer's had a starting blood caffeine level greater than 1,200 ng/mL, which is the equivalent of drinking several cups of caffeinated coffee a few hours before the blood sample was taken
• All of the participants with MCI who had blood caffeine levels greater than 1,200 ng/mL did not progress to Alzheimer's disease during the follow-up period
• Therefore, caffeine appears to protect individuals who already have MCI

Lead author Dr. Chuanhai Cao, a neuroscientists at the University of South Florida (USF) College of Pharmacy and the USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Institute, called the results "intriguing" and noted that these findings, "along with our earlier studies in Alzheimer's mice, are very consistent in indicating that moderate daily caffeine/coffee intake throughout adulthood should appreciably protect against Alzheimer's disease later in life."

Other health benefits of coffee and caffeine

The most recent study showing the health benefits of drinking coffee was published in the New England Journal of Medicine and reported on the risk of dying among a population of more than 400,000 men and women aged 50 to 71 at baseline. After a 13-year follow-up, the investigators concluded that drinking coffee was associated with a reduced risk of death due to heart disease, stroke, respiratory disease, injuries and accidents, diabetes, and infections, but not cancer.

Another study, however, did see a reduced risk of cancer associated with coffee consumption. Swedish researchers found that women who drank more than five cups of coffee daily could significantly reduce their risk of developing anti-estrogen-resistant, estrogen-receptor breast cancer.

Other studies have suggested coffee consumption may reduce the risk of endometrial cancer, prostate cancer, and uterine cancer. Controlled clinical trials are needed to determine if these findings and others are valid.

Why coffee is important for Alzheimer's disease

A study from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health reported that more than 26 million people around the world were estimated to be living with Alzheimer's disease in 2006. By 2050, the number is expected to reach more than 106 million.

The need for effective preventive and treatment measures for Alzheimer's disease is clear, and this latest study from the University of South Florida and the University of Miami is one example of that effort.

Dr. Cao noted that although he and his fellow researchers are not saying that drinking several cups of coffee every day will completely protect them from developing Alzheimer's disease, "we firmly believe that moderate coffee consumption can appreciably reduce your risk of Alzheimer's or delay its onset."

Therefore, the take-home message is that "Moderate daily consumption of caffeinated coffee appears to be the best dietary option for long-term protection against Alzheimer's memory loss," concluded co-author Dr. Gary W. Arendash, USF department of cell biology, microbiology and molecular biology.

SOURCES:
Cao C et al. High blood caffeine levels in MCI linked to lack of progression to dementia. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease 2012; 30(3): 559-72
Freedman ND et al. Association of coffee drinking with total and cause-specific mortality. New England Journal of Medicine 2012 May 17; 366(20): 1891-904

Image: Author

http://www.emaxhealth.com/1275/coffee-reduces-risk-alzheimers-disease-direct-evidence

Dark chocolate reported to reduce risk of cardiovascular disease

By Robin Wulffson MD on June 4, 2012 - 11:59am for eMaxHealth

According to a new study, being a chocaholic might be a component of a healthy lifestyle. Furthermore, it might be a money-saving healthcare strategy for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, particularly in high-risk individuals. Researchers in Melbourne, Australia published the results of their research online on May 31 in the BMJ.

The authors noted that short term clinical trials have reported that dark chocolate consumption can potentially reduce systolic blood pressure by 5 mm Hg and total cholesterol concentration by 0.21 mmol/L. To build on current research, the investigators conducted a long-term study to evaluate the potential health benefits and cost-effectiveness of daily dark chocolate consumption in a high risk population.

The study group was comprised of 2,013 individuals with hypertension (high blood pressures) who met the criteria for metabolic syndrome and had no history of cardiovascular disease and were not taking antihypertensive medication. (Metabolic syndrome is a collection of conditions (elevated blood pressure, high blood sugar level, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol levels) that occur together; thus, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.) They employed a statistical method known as a Markov model. A Markov model is a useful statistical tool for evaluating a risk that is continuous over time, when the timing of events is important, and when important events may happen more than once.

The authors note that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide; the 2004 death rate was estimated at 17.5 million individuals. The metabolic syndrome is becoming increasingly prevalent because of rising rates of obesity and diabetes as well as an aging population. Lifestyle changes such as dietary modifications and behavioral adaptations constitute first line treatment in the prevention of diseases associated with the metabolic syndrome. Dietary modifications that increase the intake of vegetables, fruit, and grains as well as decrease the intake of saturated fats and refined sugars are recommended. It is believed that the high content of polyphenolic antioxidants in some fruit, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and tea may contribute to their cardioprotective effects. Dark chocolate, derived from cocoa beans, is rich in polyphenols, specifically flavonoids. Flavonoids exhibit antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, and metabolic effects, all of which may contribute to their cardioprotective effect.

The authors reviewed published meta-analyses to evaluate the treatment effects associated with dark chocolate consumption. (A meta-analysis is a review of similar studies on the same topic to establish whether similar results were obtained.) The data were used to determine the absolute number of cardiovascular events with and without treatment with dark chocolate. The costs associated with cardiovascular events and treatments were applied to determine the potential amount of funding required for dark chocolate therapy to be considered cost-effective.

The researchers found that daily consumption of dark chocolate (polyphenol content equivalent to 100 grams (3.5 ounces) of dark chocolate) can reduce cardiovascular events by 85 per 10,000 individuals treated over 10 years. The cost of the chocolate was estimated to be $42 per person per year. The noted that these projected results assume 100% compliance and represent a best case scenario.

The authors concluded that the blood pressure and cholesterol lowering effects of dark chocolate consumption are beneficial in the prevention of cardiovascular events in a population with metabolic syndrome. They noted that daily dark chocolate consumption could be an effective and cost-effective cardiovascular preventive strategy in this population.

Take home message:
Although this study focused on dark chocolate, it actually is a testimonial to the benefits of a healthy diet rich in flavonoids. Chocolate is available without added sugar; this form of the product might not be as tasty but it is far healthier.

Reference: BMJ

http://www.emaxhealth.com/11306/dark-chocolate-reported-reduce-risk-cardiovascular-disease

Improving Your Diet May Help You Quit Smoking

By Denise Reynolds RD on June 6, 2012 - 6:53pm for eMaxHealth

There is no doubt that quitting smoking is a challenge. A recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study finds that over half of all adult smokers attempted smoking cessation in 2010 but many relapse for various reasons. But if you are determined to stop smoking for good, new research suggests that improving your diet by eating more fruits and vegetables may help you quit and stay tobacco-free for longer.

Researchers from the University at Buffalo’s School of Public Health and Health Professions surveyed 1,000 smokers aged 25 and older from around the country using random-digit dialing telephone interviews looking for a link between diet and successful smoking cessation.

Gary A. Giovino PhD, the chair of the Department of Community Health and Health Behavior, said, “We knew from our previous work that people who were abstinent from cigarettes for less than six months consumed more fruits and vegetables than those who still smoked. What we didn't know was whether recent quitters increased their fruit and vegetable consumption or if smokers who ate more fruits and vegetables were more likely to quit."

The latest study found that smokers who consumed the most fruits and vegetables were three times more likely to be tobacco-free for at least 30 days prior to the telephone interviews that those who were the least likely to eat plant foods. Even among those who continued to smoke, those who ate more fruits and vegetables smoked fewer cigarettes per day, waited longer to smoke their first cigarette of the day and scored lower on a common test of nicotine dependence.

Jeffrey P. Haibach MPH, a graduate research assistant at UB, suspects that it is possible that fruits and vegetables give people more of a feeling of satiety or fullness (due to fiber content) so that they feel less of a need to smoke, since smokers sometimes confuse hunger with an urge to smoke.

Also, unlike meats, caffeinated beverages and alcoholic beverages, fruits and vegetables do not enhance the taste of tobacco and “may actually worsen the taste of cigarettes,” says Haibach.

"We may have identified a new tool that can help people quit smoking," the authors conclude. “An improved diet could be an important item to add to the list of measures to help smokers quit.” These measures include clinical intervention, counseling, behavioral therapies, and cessation medications (prescription and non-prescription).

Nineteen percent of Americans still smoke cigarettes, but most of them – almost 70% - want to quit, notes statistics from the CDC. Smoking cessation is associated with health benefits such as a reduction of risk for lung and other types of cancer, a decreased risk of coronary heart disease and peripheral vascular disease, and improvement to respiratory function.

Journal Reference:
J. P. Haibach, G. G. Homish, G. A. Giovino. A Longitudinal Evaluation of Fruit and Vegetable Consumption and Cigarette Smoking. Nicotine & Tobacco Research, 2012; DOI: 10.1093/ntr/nts130

Additional Resource:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

http://www.emaxhealth.com/1506/improving-your-diet-may-help-you-quit-smoking

American Ginseng Effective against Cancer-related Fatigue

American Herb with Asian Roots Effective Against Cancer-Related Fatigue, Mayo Study Shows

By Timothy Boyer on June 4, 2012 - 11:11am for eMaxHealth


Chronic fatigue related to cancer is a common syndrome during and following cancer treatment that manifests as a constant lack of energy that is not brought on by exertion, nor relieved by sleep. While cancer-related fatigue is not a well understood problem that can be associated with any single cause, consensus by health authorities is that it is a multifactorial problem involving the body’s reaction to both chemotherapy and radiation therapy; anemia resulting from decreased red blood cells that leaves tissues oxygen starved; and/or a decrease of vital nutrients.

One proposed source of a centuries-old treatment for people suffering from fatigue similar to that experienced by cancer patients is the use of adaptogens. Adaptogens are a class of herbal remedies noted for their potency as stress fighters capable of either bringing an overly stressed body back to its normal healthy state or in coping with stressors such as physical exertion, toxins, lack of sleep and psychological distress.

One of the more recognized—and believed to be most powerful adaptogen among all herbs—is the traditional Asian ginseng root. So much so, that American medical researchers are taking seriously the possibility that ginseng may have properties that can be applied in some treatments such as in treating chronic fatigue related to cancer.

The basis for pursuing studies that measure the effectiveness of ginseng is based on cancer related fatigue that has been linked to an increase in the immune system's inflammatory cytokines as well as poorly regulated levels of the stress-hormone cortisol. In animal studies, ginseng’s active components—ginsenosides—have been shown to reduce cytokines related to inflammation and involved in the control of cortisol levels.

In a recent Mayo Clinic-led study being presented this week at an 2012 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, researchers report that high doses of the American ginseng herb Panax quinquefolius is effective in treating cancer related chronic fatigue.

In the study, 340 cancer patients either undergoing or having completed curative intent treatment and experiencing fatigue rated at least a 4 on a numeric analogue fatigue scale of 1-10, were randomly assigned treatment consisting of either a placebo or 2,000 milligrams of American ginseng daily. The administered American ginseng was provided in capsules containing pure, ground American ginseng root.

"Off-the-shelf ginseng is sometimes processed using ethanol, which can give it estrogen-like properties that may be harmful to breast cancer patients," says the study's lead researcher Debra Barton, Ph.D. of the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center.

During the first 4 weeks of the study, the ginseng regimen demonstrated only a slight improvement toward alleviating fatigue in the cancer patients. However, by week 8 there was statistically significant improvement in cancer patients who began to report feeling less fatigued in comparison to the cancer patients taking a placebo.

According to a news release by the Mayo Clinic, Dr. Barton states that, "After eight weeks, we saw a 20-point improvement in fatigue in cancer patients, measured on a 100-point, standardized fatigue scale. The herb had no apparent side effects,” she added.

Future follow-up studies will attempt to detect specific biomarkers linked to cancer-related chronic fatigue. "Cancer is a prolonged chronic stress experience and the effects can last 10 years beyond diagnosis and treatment," says Dr. Barton. "If we can help the body be better modulated throughout treatment with the use of ginseng, we may be able to prevent severe long-term fatigue."

For information on how exercise can treat chronic fatigue, follow this link to an informative article about the benefits of Yoga for breast cancer survivors.

Image Source: Courtesy of Wikipedia

Reference: 2012 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting; “Phase III evaluation of American ginseng (panax quinquefolius) to improve cancer-related fatigue” Debra L. Barton et al.

http://www.emaxhealth.com/8782/american-herb-asian-roots-effective-against-cancer-related-fatigue-mayo-study-shows

Potential cancer cure: Exciting new treatment approved for trial

By Kathleen Blanchard RN on June 5, 2012 - 6:25pm for eMaxHealth


Researchers have discovered a new and exciting cancer treatment that uses the body’s own immune system to help fight the disease. But for many health care discoveries, and in this instance, one promising cancer clinical trial, funds are needed.

Other than funding from the National Institutes of Health,which is sparse, or insurance companies who don't reimburse for clinical trials, researchers have to rely on public and philanthropic donations to test potentially life-saving therapies.

New cancer protocol approved by FDA ‘super charges’ the immune system

One such protocol that’s been approved by the FDA and WIRB (Western Institutional Review Board) involves giving patients specialty blood cells called granulocytes – a type of white blood cell - donated by healthy young people between the ages of 18 to 25, who are carefully screened.

Dr. Dipnarine Maharaj, Director of the South Florida Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplant Institute in Boynton Beach, Florida, who is a hematologist and oncologist, is leading clinical trials to help patients with solid tumors of breast, cervical, stomach, pancreas and lung cancer and melanoma.

Maharaj explains when cancer arises it’s because the immune system is ‘broken down’. Chemotherapy shrinks cancer, but after a period of remission, cancer returns. Cancer stays dormant and later can grow, divide and spread, years after treatment.

The idea of the exciting new cancer protocol is to get the immune system charged up to to kill cancer.

But without funding, we would only know if the protocol can really cure cancer. Funding from the NIH is difficult to obtain and insurance companies don’t reimburse for clinical trials.

Maharaj explains in an e-mail press release, “A characteristic of a metastatic cancer cell is the way it divides into twins. One of the twins will actually begin to form tissues while the other twin lies dormant. The standard therapy for treating metastatic tumors is chemotherapy. Chemotherapy will kill a certain number of tumor cells and those cells may shrink, so it will look as though you’re making progress, but with the immune system weak, the dormant twin can begin to form new tumors, which is why these cancers often return.”

Maharaj is trying to raise the funds needed for human clinical trials from philanthropists and the public to test the possible cancer cure on humans. In an effort to spread the word, the Institute has launched a new website.

Scientists already know there is much potential for fighting cancer using the body’s own immune system. A recent news release from Johns Hopkins scientists, published in the New England Journal of Medicine June 2, 2012, announced success of two drugs used in Phase 1 clinical trials that block proteins that shield cancer cells from the immune system.

Funding for the Hopkins clinical studies came from Bristol-Myers Squibb and Ono Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. Research support and grants from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Melanoma Research Alliance.

In the study, Five of 49 (10 percent) non-small cell lung cancer patients, nine of 52 (17 percent) melanoma patients, and two of 17 (12 percent) kidney cancer patients responded.

It may be possible that boosting the immune system with what’s known as the CKA granulocyte study protocol could cure solid tumor cancers, using the body’s own natural defense.. Visit www.ZapCancer.org to learn more about the new potential cancer treatment or to donate.



Source
Ascotmediagroup.com

Image credit: Wikimedia commons

http://www.emaxhealth.com/1020/moving-toward-cancer-cure-exciting-new-treatment-approved-trial

By Ernie Shannon on March 23, 2012 - 1:29pm for eMaxHealth


Scientists have developed a way to measure aggregated beta-amyloid – a protein complex believed to cause nerve cell damage in Alzheimer’s disease.

An international team of researchers is reporting success identifying the neurotoxic amyloid oligomers as the cause for the deterioration of neurons and neurological dysfunctions in people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Specifically, the scientists found increased levels of the oligomers in brain and cerebrospinal fluid samples of Alzheimer’s patients. The results suggest that the oligomers may be a marker for the early diagnosis of the disease. If the method of identifying the protein complex holds true under larger studies, the research could also lead to new drugs directed against aggregated beta-amyloid.

The team of researchers come from Germany, Sweden, and the United States and are led by Dr. Alexander Navarrete Santos of the Research Laboratory at the University of Halle in Wittenberg, Germany. The team analyzed the cerebrospinal fluid of 30 neurological patients, 14 of whom suffer from Alzheimer’s disease.

“We found that patients with a greater number of oligomers in the cerebrospinal fluid had a more pronounced disease,” Santos said. “These samples provided from leading academic memory clinics in Germany and Sweden are of the best quality and are highly characterized in order to provide robust and reliable results.”

Statistics from the Alzheimer World Report in 2011 show that as many as 36 million people suffer from dementia worldwide and that 20 – 25 million of those people have Alzheimer’s disease. With an aging population around the world, those figures could grow to as many as 150 million Alzheimer’s patients by the year 2050. An oligomer is a molecule consisting of a few monomer units, in contrast to a polymer, and one of those molecules is called a dimer. A dimer is basically two conjoined A-beta proteins.

While there is no consensus about the precise method used by oligomers to harm neurons, one theory is that they affect he synapses on neurons that make connections with other neurons which makes it harder for the brain to form new memories and recall old ones.

Scientists involved in the study caution against early assumptions, however. Dr. Oskar Hansson of Lund University in Sweden said more work is required.

“Because of the limited number of samples, further study is needed to confirm the results.” Still, the research team is hopeful. They say that the test might not only be used for the early detection of Alzheimer’s disease, but could be used when developing new and effective therapies for the disease.

The results of the study will appear in the internationally renowned scientific magazine Journal of Alzheimer's Disease in March 2012. Oskar Hansson (Lund University, Sweden) and Harald Hampel (University of Frankfurt, Germany) as senior authors of the study coordinated and supervised the work of the international research team including Drs. Alexander Navarrete Santos, Michael Ewers, Lennart Minthon, Andreas Simm, Rolf-Edgar Silver, Kaj Blennow, and David Prvulovic.

Image credit: Wikimedia commons

http://www.emaxhealth.com/11394/scientist-find-link-between-protein-and-alzheimers

Vitamin D Foods May Reduce Alzheimer's Risk, But Which Are Best?

By Deborah Mitchell on April 25, 2012 - 5:22am for eMaxHealth


A new study suggests that eating more foods rich in vitamin D may reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. This study joins others that point to dietary steps people can take to help ward off this devastating disease.

Can you eat your way past Alzheimer’s disease?

The aging population faces many health issues, and one of the most pressing is Alzheimer’s disease. While 5.4 million Americans currently have Alzheimer’s disease, it has been estimated this number will double by 2050. Worldwide, the number is expected to reach 106 million by 2050.

As the exact causes of Alzheimer’s disease are still unknown and no treatment has been found to be effective, people are looking for ways to help prevent or at least slow the disease. Dietary factors, including avoiding high cholesterol foods and following a Mediterranean diet and exercise, have often been named as being potential preventive measures.

In a new study from France, researchers evaluated 498 older women (average age, 79.8 years) who did not take vitamin D supplements. Investigators analyzed the women’s dietary habits regarding vitamin D intake and followed the volunteers for seven years.

The women who had the lowest intake of vitamin D (50 micrograms [mcg] per week) had a greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease when compared with women who had an intake of 59 mcg per week. Overall, women with the highest average intake of vitamin D from their diet had the lowest risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

The authors noted several possible explanations for this finding. One was related to vitamin D’s protective effect on the hippocampus (a center of memory in the brain) as seen in rodent studies, while another possibility was the vitamin’s influence on the production and elimination of beta-amyloid proteins. These proteins are believed to play a key role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

Best vitamin D foods
Another possibility is related to the presence of vitamin D in fish, which is a rich source of the nutrient. The authors noted that “there is reasonably good evidence that eating fish reduces the risk of dementia including Alzheimer’s,” and that “this effect is generally attributed to the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids even if data are conflicting.”

A study presented at the Radiological Society of North America annual meeting in November 2011 noted that at least one serving of baked or broiled fish per week can help preserve gray matter in the brain. One of the study’s authors, Cyrus Raji, MD, PhD, from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, noted that his study was the first “to establish a direct relationship between fish consumption, brain structure and Alzheimer’s risk.”

Many types of fish have the distinction of being excellent sources of both omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D. But there are other foods that are good sources of vitamin D as well. Here's what you should know:

• Fish that are excellent sources of vitamin D include salmon (very good), tuna, herring, sardines, halibut, catfish, and mackerel
• Fortified cow's milk and soy beverages are also recommended
• Fortified orange juice can provide just as much vitamin D as fortified milk and soy beverages--check the labels
• Fortified cereals are also good choices. If you eat fortified cereals with fortified milk or soy beverages, plus drink fortified orange juice, you can get a significant amount of vitamin D from just one meal

The University of Pittsburgh study pointed out, however, that fish should be baked or broiled, not fried, to reap the benefits.

Although the best way to get adequate amounts of vitamin D is via regular but limited exposure to sunlight (approximately 15-20 minutes of unprotected exposure to sunlight 3 to 4 times a week), many people do not reach this goal because of geography or lack of access to sunlight during the day for work, health, or other reasons.

That means people can choose to get their vitamin D through foods (of which few are good sources of the nutrient) and/or via supplements. This latest study found that vitamin D intake from food could help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, which supports previous research suggesting vitamin D has a role in preventing the disease.

SOURCES:
Alzheimer’s Association
Annweiler C et al. Higher vitamin D dietary intake is associated with lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease: a 7-year follow-up. Journal of Gerontology: Medical Science 2012; doi:10.1093/gerona/gls107
Hebert LE et al. Annual incidence of Alzheimer disease in the United States projected to the years 2000 through 2050. Alzheimer Disease & Associated Disorders 2001; 15(4): 169-73

Image: Wikimedia Commons

http://www.emaxhealth.com/1275/vitamin-d-may-reduce-alzheimers-risk

New risk for rheumatoid arthritis

New risk for rheumatoid arthritis: What women should know

By Kathleen Blanchard RN on May 1, 2012 - 9:36pm for eMaxHealth


Researchers find a surge in rheumatoid arthritis among women, driven perhaps by obesity. According to Mayo Clinic researchers, there appears to be a link between the two. Being obese could be fueling the painful autoimmune disorder among women that attacks and inflames the joints.

The study, published in the American College of Rheumatology journal Arthritis Care & Research, found obesity significantly boosts a woman’s risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.

The finding is important for women who want to maintain independence and quality of life through early lifestyle interventions.

Medical records show obesity, rheumatoid arthritis link

Researchers found the link between obesity and RA when they looked at medical records from 1980-2007 from the Rochester Epidemiology Project. They looked at equal number of adults – one group with rheumatoid arthritis and a control group who were matched by age, gender and calendar year. They also noted smoking status, height and weight. Sixty eight percent were women and approximately 30% in each group were obese.

There was a 9.2% increase found in RA per 100,000 women from 1985 to 2007; 52% of which was the result of obesity.

Study co-author Eric Matteson, M.D., chair of the Division of Rheumatology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester said in a news release, "We know that fat tissues and cells produce substances that are active in inflammation and immunity. We know too that obesity is related to many other health problems such as heart disease and diabetes, and now perhaps to autoimmunity. It adds another reason to reduce and prevent obesity in the general population."

The researchers aren’t sure why obesity might trigger rheumatoid arthritis. The cause is unknown and once RA develops there is no cure.

In addition to painful joints, the condition can damage other organs. Smoking, periodontal disease and environmental exposure to silica mineral all are reported to raise the risk of disease. The new study suggests obesity might also raise a woman’s risk for rheumatoid arthritis. Women can cut their chances of developing the painful condition by cutting calories and remaining active to maintain a normal BMI.

Source:
Arthritis Care & Research
April 25, 2012

Image credit: Wikimedia commons

http://www.emaxhealth.com/1020/new-risk-rheumatoid-arthritis-what-women-should-know

Potential New Treatment for Liver Cancer Discovered

By Deborah Mitchell on December 13, 2011 - 6:54am for eMaxHealth


BOSTON, MA--For the first time, researchers have discovered a special type of molecular regulator called a micro-RNA (miR-124) that could be used someday as a treatment for liver cancer. The same team also found a mechanism in mice that ultimately causes normal liver cells to transform into cancerous ones.

Liver cancer remains difficult to treat

Liver cancer will be diagnosed in an estimated 26,000 people in the United States in 2011, and nearly 20,000 individuals will die of the disease. Worldwide, liver cancer is the third cause of death caused by cancer, falling in behind lung (1.4 million deaths) and stomach cancer (740,000 deaths) at around 700,000 deaths.

Among the most common causes of and risk factors for liver cancer are chronic hepatitis B infection, which is common in Asia (where it is a childhood disease), hepatitis C (more common in Japan, Europe, and North America), alcohol abuse, and exposure to environmental toxins (including aflatoxin B1, which is the most potent liver cancer-causing chemical known), all of which can damage the liver and thus lead to cancer. Other factors include cirrhosis, hemochromatosis (disorder characterized by excess iron in the body), and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.

In the new study, which was conducted by researchers at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, mice were exposed to a cancer-causing chemical called DEN, which triggered a circuit of inflammation in the liver that ultimately led to cancer. The investigators identified one element of the circuit called miR-124. Molecules in this class have been associated with different types of cancer.

Another key player in the circuit is HNF4α, a substance that has an important role in the formation of liver cells and their function. If HNF4α is suppressed, the result can be inflammation, which can then lead to cancer.

According to Dimitrios Iliopoulos, PhD, of Dana-Farber’s Department of Cancer Immunology and AIDS, he and the team decided to enhance the activity of miR-124 in hopes it would restore normal activity in HNF4α, which in turn would stop the inflammatory cycle and stop liver cancer from growing.

When they administered miR-124 to mice with liver cancer once a week for four weeks, they discovered that miR-124 halted more than 80 percent of liver tumor growth by causing the cancer cells to self-destruct. Another benefit of miR-124 was that it prevented the development of liver tumors.

Current treatments for liver cancer are limited. The only proven cure is a liver transplant. Individuals who have a small tumor may undergo a partial hepatic (liver) resection, although most people with liver cancer also have cirrhosis and cannot tolerate liver resection. Other treatments include chemotherapy, proton beam therapy, chemoembolization (delivery of chemotherapy directly to the tumor), radioembolization (a type of radiotherapy), and ablation, but the results are not promising at this point.

Iliopoulos and his team expressed the hope that “miR-124 potentially could be sued as a preventive in patients at high risk of liver cancer because they have chronic hepatitis C or as a therapeutic agent in patients with liver cancer.” The authors plan to begin a phase I clinical trial to explore this possible new liver cancer treatment in 2012.

SOURCE:
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Picture credit: Wikimedia Commons

http://www.emaxhealth.com/1275/potential-new-treatment-liver-cancer-discovered

Virus That Kills Cancer Cells: New Discovery

By Deborah Mitchell on September 18, 2011 - 10:19am for eMaxHealth


You might think a virus that belongs to the rabies family never could be beneficial, but scientists have discovered one that not only kills cancer cells, but also has a major role in stopping them from hiding from the immune system. This discovery is a major breakthrough in the quest to find better, effective cancer treatments.

The virus might be an alternative to chemotherapy

Researchers from the Faculty of Life Sciences at the University of Copenhagen (LIFE) discovered that the vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) has two impacts on the prevention of some forms of cancer. When human cancer cells were infected with VSV, associate professor of immunology Soren Skov from LIFE noted that “we were able to demonstrate that the virus kills cancer cells.”


The scientists also found that VSV stops the expression of liquid immunostimulatory molecules that are produced by certain types of cancer cells so they can hide from the immune system and continue to grow and develop. “The overexpression seen in cancer types such as melanoma, testicular cancer, ovarian cancer and certain types of leukemia significantly impairs the immune system, thereby reducing the patient’s chance of recovery, reported Skov.

Vesticular stomatitis virus is a virus in the Rhabdoviridae family, which also has the rabies virus as a member. Unlike its deadly cousin, VSV appears to have life-saving benefits.

Discovery of the dual abilities of VSV opens up the possibility of an alternative to chemotherapy custom-made for individual patients, according to Skov. “The next step will be clinical trials in humans,” said Helle Jensen, who participated in the research at LIFE along with the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Copenhagen. Human trials are already being performed in the United States.

Previous research by Yale researchers in mice infected with brain cancer discovered that VSV killed only cancerous cells and did not have an impact on noncancerous cells. Another important discovery by these investigators was that the virus was able to penetrate the blood-brain barrier, an area around the brain that prevents some materials that may harm the brain from entering and protects the brain from hormones and other substances from the rest of the body.

This latest study involving the use of the vesicular stomatitis virus supports previous work demonstrating the ability of the virus to destroy cancer cells and provides new information about its ability to prevent cancer cells from hiding. In the near future, we may be using this virus to kill cancer cells and perhaps save lives.

SOURCES:
Ozduman K et al. Systemic vesicular stromatitis virus selectively destroys multifocal glioma and metastatic carcinoma in brain. Journal of Neuroscience 2008 Feb 20; 28(8): 1882-93
University of Copenhagen

http://www.emaxhealth.com/1275/virus-kills-cancer-cells-new-discovery

Healthy Diet, Not Supplements May Reduce Stroke Risk

By Deborah Mitchell on December 14, 2011 - 6:17am for eMaxHealth


Although you may find it easier to pop a few supplement capsules to reduce your risk of stroke, research indicates that eating a healthy diet, and not taking pills, is the best way to lower your risk. The new report, which appears in The Lancet Neurology, reports that antioxidants and B vitamins, which are popular supplements, do not prevent stroke.

Go Mediterranean or DASH to reduce stroke risk

In the time it takes you to read this article, someone in the United States will have a stroke. About 795,000 people suffer a stroke in the United States each year, and more than 140,000 people die annually.

If you want to try to avoid being a part of these statistics, eating a healthy diet can help. Some popular diets, such as the Mediterranean or DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diets, which are low in saturated fats, salt, and added sugars and high in antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and potassium, appear to be the better choices to reduce stroke risk, according to Graeme Hankey, MD, of Royal Perth Hospital in Australia.

Hankey reviewed the literature on various dietary and nutritional factors on the risk of stroke, and reported other findings, including

• Supplementation with beta-carotene will not prevent stroke and may, in fact, increase the risk of cardiovascular death and death from all causes
• The antioxidants vitamins C and E do not prevent stroke, and vitamin E may increase the risk of death
• Calcium supplementation may increase the risk of stroke and heart attack
• Treating a folate deficiency may lower stroke risk
• A vitamin D deficiency is associated with a higher risk of stroke, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease
• High intake of salt (about 5 grams daily) may increase risk of stroke by 23 percent and also raises risk of heart disease
• Increased potassium intake reduces risk of stroke. In a recent meta-analysis published in Stroke, the investigators reported that for every 1,000-mg per day increase in potassium, the risk of stroke declined by 11 percent, a benefit that is likely related to the mineral’s ability to lower blood pressure
• Omega-3 fatty acids from fish and seafood reduce the risk of death and heart-related events, and omega-3 from plants can lower stroke risk
• High fiber intake appears to lower risk factors associated with stroke, such as cholesterol and blood pressure
• Consuming greater amounts of fish and fruit were associated with a lower risk of stroke in the major stroke risk trial, INTERSTROKE
• Cocoa may protect against stroke because of its anti-inflammatory and antihypertensive properties
• Malnutrition during childhood is associated with an increased risk of stroke in later life
• Malnutrition during the first year of a woman’s life may result in a greater risk of stroke in her children

Hankey noted that “the overall quality of an individual’s diet and balance between energy intake and expenditure seem to be more important determinants of stroke risk than individual nutrients and foods.” Given the vast number of stroke studies and the diversity of their study populations and methods, he called for more research to better identify the association between nutrition and stroke risk.
SOURCES:
Hankey GJ. The Lancet Neurology 2012 Jan; 11(1): 66-81
Larsson SC et al. Stroke 2011 Oct; 42(10): 2746-50

http://www.emaxhealth.com/1275/healthy-diet-not-supplements-may-reduce-stroke-risk

TCM Improves Fertility Success

Traditional Chinese Medicine Improves Fertility Treatment Success

By Deborah Mitchell on January 10, 2012 - 6:38am for eMaxHealth


Women who are having a difficult time conceiving may want to include traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as part of their efforts. A new study found that combining herbal remedies and acupuncture along with the fertility treatment called intrauterine insemination (IUI) yielded a significant increase in successful conceptions and births than did IUI alone.

Combining new technology with traditional Chinese medicine

Infertility affects approximately one of every six couples, and the cause is typically related to problems contributed by the woman, the man, or both about equally. Among men, the most common cause is deficient sperm production, accounting for 90% of male infertility.

Among women, the most common cause of infertility is a failure to ovulate. Polycystic ovary syndrome is the main culprit when it comes to ovulation disorders. Other possible causes of female infertility include endometriosis, age more than 30, pelvic inflammatory disease, uterine fibroids, and ovulatory dysfunction.

Intrauterine insemination is a common technique used by women who are experiencing infertility. The procedure can be done in about 15 minutes in a doctor’s office and involves placing “washed,” concentrated sperm directly in the uterus on the day after the woman’s ovary has released one or more eggs. The goal is for the sperm to swim into the fallopian tubes and fertilize the egg.

A team of health professionals at Tel Aviv University (TAU) and Tel Aviv Medical Center’s Fertility Research Institute explored the success of two approaches to female infertility: use of IUI alone or combined with traditional Chinese medicine. The TCM involved the use of acupuncture and Chinese herbs.

The retrospective study included two groups: 29 women ages 30 to 45 who were receiving IUI treatment plus TCM therapy, and 94 women ages 28 to 46 who were undergoing IUI treatment only. In the TCM group, the women received weekly acupuncture treatments and Chinese herbal remedies (e.g., peonia albae, chuanxiong) specifically chosen to meet their individual needs.

Among the 29 women in the IUI plus TMC group, 65.5% conceived and 41.4% delivered healthy infants. In the control group, 39.4% conceived and 26.9% delivered healthy babies.

According to two of the authors, Dr. Shahar Lev-Ari and Keren Sela of TAU’s Sackler Faculty of Medicine, the significant difference in the success rates between the two groups was a surprise given the ages of the women. “The average age of the women in the study group was 39.4, while that of the control group was 37.1. Normally, the older the mother, the lower the pregnancy and delivery rates.”

As for why women who received TCM fared much better than the controls, the authors noted that traditional Chinese medicine focuses on achieving balance in the body (yin/yang) and promoting natural energy flow. Acupuncture and herbal remedies may have a positive impact on ovulation and the menstrual cycle, enhance blood flow to the uterus, and promote calm, thus improving the chance of successful conception.

The results of this study indicate that traditional Chinese medicine can have a significant positive effect on intrauterine insemination and can offer hope to the many women who are having a difficult time conceiving. Clinical trials are being planned to validate these findings.

SOURCE:
Tel Aviv University

Picture credit: Wikimedia Commons

http://www.emaxhealth.com/1275/traditional-chinese-medicine-improves-fertility-treatment-success

Ancient Egyptian Cure May Fight MRSA Infections

By Timothy Boyer on February 1, 2012 - 12:32pm for eMaxHealth


Bacterial infections from microbes such as MRSA pose a significant threat to health as many antibiotics are ineffective in treating a growing number of infections.

However, scientists recently reveal a new study that tells us that an ancient Egyptian cure may be our best weapon against not just MRSA, but potentially the majority of bacterial infections.

Discover what this cure is and why you should have it in your medicine cabinet.

We are carriers of disease. Although the ancient Egyptians understanding may not have been on the same level of understanding as it is today that one cause of disease such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is as close to us as our skin, they nevertheless understood the importance of fighting off infection.

According to PubMed Health, 1 out of every 4 healthy individuals carries a strain of Staphylococcus aureus on their skin or in their nasal passages. Furthermore, 2 out of every 100 people carry a strain of staph that is resistant to antibiotics.

One of the misconceptions of antibiotic resistance is the belief that failure of an infection to respond to an antibiotic means that the microbe has mutated in some way that makes it resistant to a specific antibiotic or class of antibiotics. However, recent research tells us that this is often not true. Rather, that many types of bacteria produce protective biofilms that thwart an antibiotic’s antimicrobial abilities.

A biofilm is a thin layer of microbes that sticks to the surface of a structure such as a healing wound and is aided by organic polymers the microbes secrete to insure adhesion as well as growth over the wound. Biofilms have relatively recently been shown to form a type of protective barrier against antibiotics.

However, it appears that some natural organic substances have a way of breaking down the protective biofilm barrier and destroying the bacterial colonies in an infection. One natural substance is mentioned in Ancient Egyptian writing dating back 4,000 years that describes the practice of mixing honey on cotton fibers and applying it on wounds as dressings.

The use of honey derived from some types of plants has been in use for a number of years now and is available as a topical ointment to apply directly on a wound. The most common source of honey is “Manuka Honey,” which is produced by bees that collect nectar from the Manuka Bush or Tea Tree (Leptospermum Scoparium) that is indigenous to New Zealand.

Exactly how Manuka honey works is currently under investigation, but it is suspected to contain one or more ingredients with potent antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidant, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties.

Honey is a complex substance estimated to be comprised of several hundred components, including fructose, glucose, sucrose and other sugars as well as acids, proteins, amino acids , nitrogen, minerals, and in the case of Manuka honey— methylglyoxal (MGO), which is believed to be crucial toward its antimicrobial properties.

Researchers wanting to gain an understanding of how Manuka honey works on infections decided to perform in-vitro tests on the effect of Manuka honey on Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria that live in the nasopharynx and skin of healthy individuals. S. pyogenes is a common infection problem in patients following surgery and is known for its protective biofilm properties.

The goal of the researchers was to determine whether Manuka honey disrupted the biofilm binding of S. pyogenes to human wound proteins called “fibrinogen” and “fibronectin” that play an important role in the normal wound healing process.

What they found as reported in the Jan. 31, 2012 issue of Microbiology, is that treatment with Manuka honey resulted in not only inhibiting the development of biofilms, but also disrupted established biofilms of S. pyogenes by possibly interrupting the adhesion of tissue ligands related to fibronectin protein found in wound healing. The exact molecular process remains unknown, but is believed to involve a disruption of expression of fibronectin-binding proteins Sof and SfbI from the S. pyogenes bacterium.

The authors concluded that their results add further support to the use of Manuka honey in treating infection from S. pyogenes due to its ability to attack the bacterium’s biofilm.

Their findings lend support to the treatment of other antibiotic resistant microbes with biofilm components such as MRSA and other strains of infectious bacteria. Furthermore, this is yet another example that there is value in investigating medical knowledge and practices from other cultures even as far back as the days of the Ancient Egyptians.

Image Source: Courtesy of Wikipedia

Reference: “Manuka honey inhibits the development of Streptococcus pyogenes biofilms and causes reduced expression of two fibronectin binding proteins” Microbiology Jan.31, 2012; Sarah E. Maddocks, Marta Salinas Lopez, Richard S. Rowlands and Rose A. Cooper

http://www.emaxhealth.com/8782/ancient-egyptian-cure-may-fight-mrsa-infections

Secret of Resveratrol, Red Wine Health Benefits Spilled

By Deborah Mitchell on February 3, 2012 - 10:54am for eMaxHealth

Chances are you’ve heard that resveratrol and red wine offer lots of health benefits, from helping your heart to promoting anti-aging. Now scientists from the National Institutes of Health’s National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) say they have uncovered the secret of why resveratrol is such a health bonanza.

What is the secret target of resveratrol?

Resveratrol has been the topic of much discussion and research because it has demonstrated critically important health benefits, including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and diabetes prevention advantages. “However, before researchers can transform resveratrol into a safe and effective medicine,” explained Jay H. Chung, MD, PhD, “they need to know exactly what it targets in cells.”

Chung, who was the lead author of the study conducted at the Laboratory of Obesity and Aging Research at the NHLBI, and his colleagues uncovered the secret to what resveratrol targets in a study in mice, and it turns out it isn’t sirtuin 1.

Sirtuin 1 is a protein associated with the aging process and has been touted by some as the anti-aging gene. Previous research has suggested it is the main target of resveratrol.

However, Chung and his team discovered that resveratrol inhibits phosphodiesterases (PDEs), which are proteins (enzymes) with a critical role in regulating cell energy. Their experiments showed that resveratrol targets a specific PDE in skeletal muscle called PDE4. When resveratrol inhibits PDE4, it triggers a series of activities within the cell, and one of the activities is indirect activation of sirtuin 1.

It is not possible to get an adequate amount (about 1 gram) of resveratrol from eating red grapes or drinking red wine. In fact, studies suggest people would need to consume about 667 bottles of red wine to get 1 gram of the phytonutrient. Therefore, supplements and/or resveratrol drugs appear to be the answer.

This study showed resveratrol to be a PDE4 inhibitor, and therefore provides groundwork for research for developing new medications for cancer, inflammatory conditions, and diabetes. A PDE4 inhibitor drug called roflumilast (Daliresp®, for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) has already been approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

Although it appears scientists have uncovered the secret of resveratrol’s health benefits, this is only one step—albeit an important one—on the road to developing resveratrol as a drug.

SOURCE:
Park S-J, Ahmad F, Philip A, Baar et al. Resveratrol ameliorates aging-related metabolic phenotypes by inhibiting cAMP phosphodiesterases. Cell 2012 Feb 3; 148(3): 421-33

Image: Courtesy of PhotosPublic Domain

http://www.emaxhealth.com/1275/secret-resveratrol-red-wine-health-benefits-spilled

Tai Chi and Parkinsons Disease

Tai Chi May Help Improve Balance in Patients with Parkinsons Disease

By Denise Reynolds RD on February 9, 2012 - 1:06pm for eMaxHealth


Tai Chi is a low-to-moderate impact exercise that is showing promise as an add-on to current physical therapies for conditions such as arthritis and fibromyalgia. A new study finds that patients with Parkinson’s disease may also benefit from the ancient form of Chinese martial arts as it may help to improve balance and movement control.

Patients with Parkinson’s disease have substantially impaired balance which leads to diminished functional ability and an increased risk of falling. Gentle exercise is often recommended to help improve these functions. Dr. Fuzhong Li of the Oregon Research Institute notes that Tai Chi may also help with improving flexibility and range of motion.

Dr. Li enrolled patients with Parkinson’s disease (age 40 to 85) in a twice-a-week one-hour-long Tai Chi training session that consisted of six martial art movements integrated into an eight-form routine that focused on weight-shifting, controlled displacement of the center of gravity over the base of support, ankle sway, and front-to-back and sideways stepping. The sessions lasted for six months.

Patient’s practicing tai chi were found to have improvements in steadiness that was 2.5 times greater than those who were enrolled in resistance training classes – steps and lunges performed with ankle weights and a weighted vest. The patients showed four times better balance than those who only did stretching exercises.

"There are a number of practical advantages to using Tai Chi to improve motor dysfunction of Parkinson's disease,” said Dr. Li. “It is a low cost activity that does not require equipment, it can be done anywhere, at any time, and the movements can be easily learned.” He notes the exercises can be incorporated into an in-patient rehabilitation program or prescribed to patients as a self-care/home activity for outpatient rehab.

Other benefits to Tai Chi include a possible improvement to mental health.

Parkinson’s disease is a chronic, degenerative neurological disorder that affects one in 100 people over the age of 60. Estimates of the total number of people with the disease vary, says the Michael J. Fox Foundation, but at least one million people in the United States have Parkinson’s.

Journal Reference:
Tai Chi and Postural Stability in Patients with Parkinson's Disease
Fuzhong Li, Ph.D., Peter Harmer, Ph.D., M.P.H., Kathleen Fitzgerald, M.D., Elizabeth Eckstrom, M.D., M.P.H., Ronald Stock, M.D., Johnny Galver, P.T., Gianni Maddalozzo, Ph.D., and Sara S. Batya, M.D.
N Engl J Med 2012; 366:511-519February 9, 2012

http://www.emaxhealth.com/1506/tai-chi-may-help-improve-balance-patients-parkinsons-disease

Ayurveda Medicine and Supplement Hidden Dangers: Arsenic, Lead and Mercury

By Timothy Boyer on March 2, 2012 - 11:59am for eMaxHealth


The majority of cases of poisoning involving heavy metals such as lead, mercury and arsenic result from occupational exposure; however, medical doctors and researchers have discovered that many cases of heavy metal poisoning result from taking some Ayurveda medicines and supplements.

Ayurveda is an ancient medical practice used by over 1 billion individuals in India and southern Asia. It recently has gained some popularity in the U.S. with people seeking both traditional and alternative medicine as a way toward fighting obesity and adopting a healthier lifestyle. Part of the attraction of Ayurvedic medicine is that it offers a fast path to good health by adjusting your diet and taking supplements based on your body type.

According to Ayurvedic medicine, there are three body types: Kapha, Pitta and Vata. The Kapha body type are individuals who tend to be of larger build with equally wide shoulder and hip regions. The Pitta body type is a medium build person and the Vata type is more slight or petite. Body types, according to Ayurvedic medicine, have a tendency to suffer from particular ills and complications that can be addressed by countering with specific types of foods.

For example, a Vata type person tends to have a predisposition for digestion problems that include gas and bloating. Vata types are advised to avoid dry or cold foods, raw vegetables and carbonated beverages, but encouraged to eat warm, cooked soups and veggies along with nuts and dairy products.

In addition to diet, the Vata type person is recommended to eat supplements like Triphala to help them overcome their digestive system complaints. Triphala is an herbal combination of dried powders of three fruits: Emblica officinalis (Indian gooseberry), Terminalia chebula (black myrobalan) and Terminalia belerica (belleric myrobalan) and is typically supplied as a capsule or tablet. Triphala is believed to aid digestion problems by reducing stomach acidity and the activity of stomach enzymes.

While an Ayurvedic supplement like Triphala is considered to be relatively safe, other Ayurvedic supplements such as Guggul have been linked to severe organ damage in some people. In 2011, an article in the Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology reported a case of an otherwise healthy young woman who developed complete liver failure after taking a dietary supplement fat burner containing usnic acid, green tea and Guggul tree extract.

Guggul has been used for thousands of years in Ayurveda medicine and is derived from plant resin that comes from the mukul myrrh tree. People who have thyroid disorders and take estrogen are advised by health authorities to avoid taking Guggul without their physician’s consent.

However, a more obvious danger with taking some Ayurveda medicines and supplements lies in the practice of lacing the herbal products with metals such as mercury, lead, iron, zinc as well as with minerals like mica or gems like pearls. The practice of combining herbs with non-herbal components is referred to as “rasa shastra”—a type of ancient mystical alchemy where practitioners believe that combining herbs with other substances can heal a variety of maladies.

The result of Ayurveda rasa shastra medicine in the U.S has resulted in multiple instances of heavy metal poisoning that were subsequently traced to the patients’ consuming Ayurvedic medicines that were bought online.

In an August 2008 issue of the medical journal JAMA, researchers seeking to identify the number and sources of Ayurvedic medicines that contain mercury, lead or arsenic reported that after analyzing 230 Ayurvedic medicines and supplements that up to 20 percent of both US-manufactured and Indian-manufactured Ayurvedic medicines purchased through the Internet contain detectable levels of all three heavy metals. Furthermore, the researchers found that:

• Lead was the most commonly found metal, followed by mercury and arsenic.

• The prevalence of metal-containing products did not differ significantly between US- and Indian-manufactured products.

• The median lead concentration in Indian-manufactured vs. US-manufactured lead-containing products was similar.

• Mercury was present in greater concentrations in Indian-manufactured products.

• Rasa shastra compared with non–rasa shastra medicines were more than twice as likely to contain metals.

• Rasa shastra metal-containing medicines had higher lead and mercury median concentrations than non–rasa shastra metal-containing medicines.

• All metal-containing products exceeded 1 or more standards for acceptable daily metal intake.

• Several Indian-manufactured rasa shastra medicines could result in lead and/or mercury ingestions 100 to 10 000 times greater than acceptable limits.

In spite of the scientific evidence that there are hidden dangers to taking some Ayruvedic medicines and supplements regarding lead, mercury and arsenic poisoning, Ayurveda medicine practitioners and experts argue that if the medicines and supplements are prepared according to ancient protocols involving “shodhana”—a purification process—that the metals added then become nontoxic and therapeutic.

However, scientists disagree with this line of argument and point out that even many non-rasa shastra supplements tested positive for heavy metal poisoning and believe that they are the result of environmental contamination of the herbs and/ or incidental contamination during the manufacturing process by some companies. Furthermore, that children are especially at risk of developing neurological problems due to heavy metal poisoning and therefore that new FDA regulations overseeing supplements are desperately needed.

The take-home message is that while some Ayurveda medicines and supplements are safe, there is an undeniably hidden danger that lead, mercury, arsenic and other health-damaging components are present in a large portion of products sold, and that without a lab analysis to check your bottle of supplement, you are essentially playing a game of Russian Roulette.

Image Source: Courtesy of Wikipedia

References:

1. “Lead, Mercury, and Arsenic in US- and Indian-Manufactured Ayurvedic Medicines Sold via the Internet” JAMA 2008 August 27; 300 (8); 915-923; Robert B. Saper, MD, MPH, Russell S. Phillips, MD, Anusha Sehgal, MD(Ayurveda), Nadia Khouri, MPH, Roger B. Davis, ScD, Janet Paquin, PhD, Venkatesh Thuppil, PhD, and Stefanos N. Kales, MD, MPH.

2. “Acute liver failure caused by 'fat burners' and dietary supplements: a case report and literature review” Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology 2011 Mar, 25(3); 157-160; Yellapu RK, Mittal V, Grewal P, Fiel M, and Schiano T.

3. “Lead Poisoning Associated with Ayurvedic Medications — Five States, 2000-2003” MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report) 2004 July 9; 53(26); 582-584. J Araujo, MD, AP Beelen, MD, LD Lewis, MD, GG Robinson, MS, C DeLaurier, M Carbajal, B Ericsson, Y Chin, MD, K Hipkins, MPH, SN Kales, MD, RB Saper, MD, R Nordness, MD, R Rabin, MSPH, N Jeffery, MPH, J Cone, MD, C Ramaswamy, MBBS, P Curry-Johnson, EdD, KH Gelberg, PhD, J Paquin, PhD, DM Homa, PhD, and RJ Roscoe, MS.

http://www.emaxhealth.com/8782/ayurveda-medicine-and-supplement-hidden-dangers-arsenic-lead-and-mercury

Traditional Chinese Medicines - Be Aware

By Timothy Boyer on April 13, 2012 - 5:15pm for eMaxHealth

3 Reasons Why You Should Avoid Chinese Traditional Medicines

In a recent article published in the journal PloS Genetics, researchers from Murdock University have revealed three findings that should make everyone think at least twice before taking any Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and seriously consider avoiding consuming Chinese Traditional Medicines altogether.

Using a relatively new version of a type of DNA sequencing called “High Throughput Sequencing” (HTS), researchers were able to identify the animal and plant contents of 15 samples of Traditional Chinese Medicine products that were confiscated by the Wildlife trade section of the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities in Australia. The Traditional Chinese Medicines were all seized by Australian Customs and Border Protection Service at airports and seaports across Australia. The samples seized and tested were in the form of powders, tablets, capsules, flakes and herbal teas.

One of the goals of the researchers’ DNA sequencing study was to determine the efficacy of using HTS in rapid and affordable screening of sample contents in cases involving illegal imports, food fraud, medicine fraud and forensics.

What the researchers found was that some of the Traditional Chinese Medicine samples tested contained potentially toxic plant ingredients, allergens and traces of endangered animals.

According to a statement by Dr. Michael Bunce, research leader of the study and Murdoch University Australian Research Council Future Fellow, "TCMs have a long cultural history, but today consumers need to be aware of the legal and health safety issues before adopting them as a treatment option.”

A summary of the three findings is as follows:

Plant findings

Four samples of the confiscated Traditional Chinese Medicines contained DNA sequences that indicate the presence of herbs possessing Ephedra and Asarum.

Ephedra is classed as a poisonous herb and therefore Ephedra-containing products have been banned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Medicines that contain Ephedra should only be prescribed by experienced physicians as the therapeutic dose range is very narrow due to its high level of toxicity.

Some Asarum herb species contain Aristolochic acid—a known nephrotoxin, hepatotoxin, and carcinogen that has been listed as the key component of some weight loss products.

Among the potentially poisonous plants, the researchers also discovered that some samples contained the protected plant species Panax ginseng—one of many Asian plants at risk of extinction due to over-collecting for medicinal and homeopathic use.

Allergen findings

One of the dangers of consuming some Traditional Chinese Medicines is the potential of developing an adverse allergic reaction to some substances within herbal remedies—such as nuts—which can cause anaphylaxis in those with severe allergy to some food products.

In the study, the researchers detected DNA from the Anacardiaceae (the cashew or sumac family) in two of the Traditional Chinese Medicines—both of which possess proteins that are known allergens. Furthermore, soybean was detected in four of the medicines and has been linked to at least 16 potential protein allergens with the potential to cause adverse reactions ranging from mild rashes to systemic anaphylaxis.

The researchers, however, do note that their results were unable to determine whether the detected DNA is derived directly from the nut or bean, or originated from plant tissue.

Animal Findings

A total of eight animal genera were identified from 539 DNA sequences obtained from four Traditional Chinese Medicine samples, two of which included the Saiga Antelope and the Asiatic black bear—both protected species of wildlife. Their findings indicate that in spite of protection laws, these and other species are still being illegally hunted for the Traditional Chinese Medicine market.

Furthermore, other animal species detected included the water buffalo, the Asiatic toad, the domestic cow and goat. It is believed that the goat detected was used as a type of cheap filler rather than for its medicinal properties.

The use of animal species other than those protected by law presents multiple problems for the consumer who may have religious or cultural strictures that prohibit the consumption of some meats. In addition, there is also the risk of becoming exposed to zoonotic pathogens such as prions in mad cow and other lethal diseases.

"A product labeled as 100% Saiga antelope contained considerable quantities of goat and sheep DNA," says Dr. Bunce. "Another product, Mongnan Tianbao pills, contained deer and cow DNA, the latter of which may violate some religious or cultural strictures."

Aside from the contents of the Traditional Chinese Medicines tested, another concern is the lack of or deliberate misrepresentation on the labeling.

Because TCMs and other alternative medicine remedies are not regulated anywhere near to the extent medications in the U.S. are, in reality there is no way to really know exactly what is in the bottle that you ordered over the internet or bought at a health food store. And, until regulation is in place and technology such as the type used in the study is used to ensure quality control, taking many Traditional Chinese Medicines is a game of Russian Roulette.

The authors of the paper state that, “With regard to Traditional Chinese Medicines and complementary medicines as a whole, controls need to be implemented to ensure consumer safety and to minimize impacts on protected biota. It is also important that consumers are made fully aware of legal and health safety concerns that surround TCMs before adopting them as a treatment option.”

Image Source: Courtesy of MorgueFile

Reference: “Deep Sequencing of Plant and Animal DNA Contained within Traditional Chinese Medicines Reveals Legality Issues and Health Safety Concerns” PLoS Genetics 8(4) 2012; Coghlan ML, Haile J, Houston J, Murray DC, White NE, et al.

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