Health News Tidbits

Health News Tidbits – February 2003

**SPECIAL ENTRY**
How to Build Women's Health Through Nutritional Balance by Bonnie C. Minsky
Outline for Bonnie's seminar for the American Physical Therapy Association's 2003 Annual Meeting
Download Document (pdf file)

**SPECIAL ENTRY**
Any Way You Slice It, Bread May Not Be the Staff of Life by Christian Northrup
"Northrup's Health Wisdom for Women"

by Christian Northrup
"Northrup's Health Wisdom for Women"

by Christian Northrup
"Northrup's Health Wisdom for Women"

Despite overwhelming evidence of the harm they do, grain-based foods comprise the bulk of the American diet. And most nutritionists and even the venerable U.S. Government Food Pyramid recommend 6-11 servings per day as a foundation for health. In her book, Going Against the Grain, Melissa Diane Smith, a nutritionist and health educator, gives the following reasons why a high grain intake isn't healthy for most people:

-grains are high in carbohydrates and calories, especially considering the nutrient levels they provide.

-grains are used to fatten livestock; they do the same for humans when eaten in excess.

-millions of people are intolerant to common grains and, after eating them, develop allergic symptoms: aches and pains, malabsorption of nutrients, gas and bloating, and other GI upsets

-high grain diets are implicated in most modern day health problems including autoimmune diseases, heart disease, adult onset diabetes, and some types of cancer

After years of experimentation, I've discovered just how much grain I can tolerate without health problems - and it isn't much. After years of eating a low fat, high grain diet, and bringing up my children on the same diet, I've come to the realization that a low or no grain diet is healthiest. And the same is true for hundreds of my patients, and millions of other Americans.

Grains also become addictive. Studies have shown that cereal grains, especially wheat, corn, and barley, contain opioid substances known as exorphins which literally means morphine-like molecules from the outside environment (dairy products also have been shown to have exorphins). These substances bind to the same receptors in our brains and travel along the same pathways used by other addictive substances such as alcohol and sugar, creating a temporary "high" that sets you up for cravings.

Gluten-containing grains such as wheat can also cause a type of delayed food allergy that actually triggers cravings for the very food that is the culprit. It is estimated that 10-60% of the population suffers from these types of sensitivities. Symptoms can show up hours or even a few days after the food is eaten so it can be difficult to make the connection between the food and the symptom. The following are common symptoms of delayed food sensitivities that often occur when lots of grain is eaten habitually:

-tiredness or exhaustion - particularly after meals or even a full night's sleep
-a tendency to gain or lose more than a couple of pounds a day
-puffiness, swelling, and dark bags under the eyes
-digestive issues such as bloating, gas, constipation, abdominal pains, or cramps
-excess mucus formation characterized by chronically congested nose, postnasal drip, runny nose, frequent infections, sneezing fits, phlegm
-chronic pain (arthritis, muscle aches, stiff joints)
-headaches, especially cluster and migraine
-emotional, mental, and behavioral symptoms such as mood swings, unexplained irritability, panic attacks, hyperactivity, and depression for no apparent reason

All of these problems are exacerbated if you drink a lot of alcohol, use antibiotics regularly, or use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen regularly.

Babies Mental Delay Tied to Mom's Vegan Diet -
The breast-fed infants of two mothers who did not eat any animal products, including eggs, developed brain abnormalities as a result of a vitamin B12 deficiency, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The primary source of vitamin B12, which is essential for brain development, are animal products. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 2003;52:61-64

Sorting Out a Healthy Supplement Regimen -
You definitely need to start your search by looking for a professional who can help guide you. Nutritionists or the growing number of pharmacists are making it a point to learn about supplements. Chicago Tribune, 1/19/2003

New Labels for Hormone Therapy Products -
New labeling requirements for all makers of estrogen and estrogen with progestin products includes a new boxed warning highlighting the risks for heart disease, heart attacks, strokes, and breast cancer. The warning also emphasizes that these products are not approved for the prevention of heart disease. Food and Drug Administration 1/8/2003

Hypnosis Soothes Indigestion -
Researchers found hypnotherapy provided both immediate and long-term relief to people with persistent indigestion and eliminated the need for anti-indigestion medications as long as a year after treatment. They compared hypnotherapy with both standard medical treatment using (Zantac) and supportive therapy with a placebo among 126 patients with indigestion. After 16 weeks of treatment, symptoms scores were improved by 59% in the hypnotherapy group compared with 41% in the supportive group and 33% in the medication group. Gatsroenterology 12/17/2002

Soft Drinks Disrupt Children's Sleep -
According to a study that appeared in the January 9th issue of Pediatrics, children drinking large amounts of fizzy soft drinks with caffeine disturbed sleep patterns and feel tired throughout the day more than those who consumed less soft drinks.

Website for List of Genetically Engineered Foods -
If you ever wondered if your favorite crackers or other foods are genetically engineered (GE), you can now search the True Food Shopping List at www.truefood.org. The list covers over 2,000 GE foods.

Dietary Advice Effective most in Special Clinics -
According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, beneficial effects from dietary counseling were seen only in studies involving special clinics with highly trained, specialized health professionals. The task force found that medium-to high-intensity counseling produced clinically important and lasting changes in regards to dietary intake of total fat, saturated fat, fruit, vegetables, and fiber. U.S. Public Health Service

Asthma Drug Serevant Pose Deadly Health Risks -
According to GlaxoSmithKline, the manufacturer of Serevant, a popular Asthma drug, may pose a risk of death and serious asthma-related illness in some patients. They mentioned African-Americans may be at greater risk, as well as those patients who do not take inhaled steroids. GlaxoSmithKilne

Omega 3's May Assist With Heart Disease Prevention -

A mixture of 4 grams EPA + DHA and 2 grams GLA omega 3 fatty acids given to 31 healthy women showed favorably altered blood lipid and fatty acid profiles. This group was estimated to have a 43% reduction in the 10 year risk of myocardial infarction. Am J Clin Nutr 2003 Jan;77(1):37-42

Lutein Supplementation Improves Visual Function -
Based upon a two year double-blind, placebo-controlled study in seventeen patients diagnosed with age-related cataracts, in the group supplemented with lutein, serum lutein levels rose and vision performance improved. Nutrition 2003 Jan;19(1):21-4

Antioxidants Benefit Critically Ill Surgical Patients -
Vitamin C & E given to 300 critically ill patients by feeding tube and intravenously every eight hours for 28 days, spent less time on a mechanical ventilator, less time in the intensive care unit, and were less likely to suffer from multiple organ failure. Annals of Surgery December 2002;236:814-822

Poor Amino Acid Breakdown Increases Risk of Heart Disease -
People with genetically determined, reduced breakdown of the amino acid homocysteine have an 16% increased risk of coronary heart disease compared to healthy people. The best way to reduce homocysteine is through folic acid supplementation. Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research

CRP to Become Part of Standard Checkups -
C-Reactive Protein, a hidden, painless form of inflammation, is likely to become part of a standard checkup according to American Heart Association and the Centers for Disease Control. Studies show that people with high levels of this inflammatory protein, necessary for fighting injury and infection, face double the usual risk of heart attacks and strokes.

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