Health News Tidbits - February
Glucosamine Sulfate is Proven Effective in Fighting Against Osteoarthritis
-
The Lancet, a prestigious medical journal, recently published a three
year double-blind study proving the effectiveness of Glucosamine Sulfate. Two
hundred twelve patients with osteoarthritis of the knee were randomly assigned
to receive either placebo or 1500 mg of GS once per day for three years. At the
end of the trial, symptom scores increased in the placebo group by 10% but
decreased 24% in those given GS. In addition, in x-rays the placebo group showed
continued abnormalities while no deterioration appeared in the people given GS.
GS is completely safe, but not for everyone. Especially for those who have an
acid or salicylate sensitivity. Speak to your health professional about options
for osteoarthritis.
Chaste Tree Extract Shown Effective in Alleviating PMS Symptoms -
Chaste Tree Extract, according to a recent edition of The Journal of the
British Medical Association, safely and effectively reduces symptoms of
premenstrual symptoms (PMS). Results of a study of 170 women found that PMS
symptoms in women taking chaste tree reduced 52% reduction while only a 24%
reduction for the placebo. Chaste tree is believed to reinstate normal balance
between estrogen and progesterone during the luteal phase of the menstrual
cycle. Speak to your health professional about the correct PMS supplement for
you.
U.S. Government Defines 'Organic Food' -
The Federal Government this month established the country's first official
definition of "organic," giving consumers a reliable way to buy
fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy products without using pesticides, genetic
engineering, growth hormones or irradiation. Yippee!
FDA Says Antibiotics Must be Reined in -
With the rise of antibiotic-resistant human diseases, the FDA is re-examining
how such drugs are used on the nation's farms. The FDA further admits that the
link between farm use of such antibiotics and some human diseases is
indisputable. Underway is a framework of new rules and regulations to protect
the well-being of the American public. To be continued...
French Experts Link Creatine to Potential Cancer Risk -
The AFSSA, France's Food Safety Agency, reported that long-term use of creatine,
a popular training supplement, constitutes a potential carcinogenic risk. In
addition, the AFSSA pointed out that recent studies cite creatine's association
with "digestive, muscular, and cardiovascular problems." Creatine's
sale is illegal in France.
Revised Recommended Daily Intakes -
The Institute of Medicine, which is responsible for the RDA's (Recommended Daily
Intakes) of Vitamins and Minerals), revised recommended levels of Vitamin A and
certain other nutrients.
Misuse of 'Statin' Drugs Common -
"Statin Therapy" for hyperlipidemia is overused based on a National
cholesterol education Program (NCEP) guideline. Statins were prescribed
needlessly (overuse) for 69% of patients who were receiving them as primary
prevention, as stated in the January 8th issue of the Archives of Internal
Medicine.
FDA Issues New Biotech Food Rules -
Biotech companies would be required to consult with the government before
selling new genetically engineered foods or ingredients, under industry-backed
rules proposed by the FAD this month. The new rules are a stop-gap solution to
quell the public outcry over the safety of genetically engineered food.
There are still many unresolved questions on this issue.
Medication May Inhibit Absorption of Folic Acid -
A New England Journal of Medicine article reported that trimethoprim,
triamterane, phenobarbital, and primidone, among others, may inhibit folic acid
absorption. This study is particularly important for pregnant women, with whom
folic acid supplementation has been found to prevent neural tube defects in
fetuses.
Study Finds Another Helpful Effect of Breast Milk -
Researchers at the University of Toronto found that breast milk stimulates the
immune system in a way not seen before. Breast milk is rich in a kind of protein
called soluble CD14, which in turn stimulates the development of B cells. Those
immune cells made in the bone marrow are key to the production of antibodies.
Fish Oil Capsules Improves Asthma Symptoms in Children-
According to a trial in the European Respiratory Journal, supplementation with
fish oil (300 mg per day for 10 months) showed significant improvement among
children with bronchial asthma. Specifically, fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty
acids (EPA & DHA), which help fight inflammation.
Physicians Group Calls for End to Mandatory Vaccines -
The Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS) at their 57th Annual
Meeting voted on a resolution calling for a moratorium on vaccine mandates for
physicians to insist upon truly informed consent for the use of vaccines. The
resolution passed without a single dissenting vote.
Lycopene May Inhibit Cancer Cell Growth -
At the IGF and Cancer symposium in Halle, Germany, Dr. Joseph Levy of Ben-Burion
University, presented a study suggesting that Lycopene may lower IGF-1
(insulin-like growth factor) levels, markers that indicate such cancers as
breast and prostate.
Health
News Tidbits - June
Health
News Tidbits - July
Health
News Tidbits - August
Health
News Tidbits - September
Health
News Tidbits - October
Health
News Tidbits - November
Health
News Tidbits - December
Health
News Tidbits - January '01