Health News Tidbits

Health News Tidbits – January 2002

Vitamin C Found to Inhibit Congestive Heart Failure -
A recent study published in the October 30, 2001 issue of Circulation demonstrated that Vitamin C can aid patients with congestive heart failure by suppressing the signal for cell death within the blood vessel linings. The randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded trial with 34 patients showed markedly reduced blood vessels of apoptotic micro particles to 32% of baseline levels in those taking the Vitamin C, while the placebo had no effect.

Giardia: Hidden Nemesis of the Elderly -
Giardia lambia, a protozoa most commonly known for causing diarrhea while camping or traveling, is a parasite that can trigger more hidden, subtle and chronic symptoms, especially in the elderly. According to a recent article published in Age and Ageing, two British doctors highlight the importance of testing for giardia even in the absence of acute symptoms. The doctors state, "the diagnosis of giardia should be considered in all patients with unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms, and particularly, in older people with unexplained weight loss and anemia." Note that the individuals diagnosed by these doctors had not traveled outside of their country of residence.

Supplement Mix Eases Bipolar Symptoms -
In the December issue of Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, a study showed 50-66% improvement in 14 patients with bipolar disorder, aged 19-46, who along with their regular medication, took a 36-ingredient supplement mixture of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants. In some cases, the supplement replaced their psychotropic medications and the patients remained well.

American Botanical Council Announces New Safety Info on Kava -
Herbal experts are advising caution with the use of the popular herb kava. With recent reports in Germany of liver problems associated with kava, officials are suggesting the following:
-Kava should not be used by anyone who has liver problems, or by anyone who is taking any drug products with known adverse effects on the liver, or anyone is a regular user of alcohol.
-Kava should not be taken on a daily basis for more than four weeks.
-Anyone who is salicylate sensitive, or has a sensitivity to foods in the pepper family (which Kava is), avoid.

Ingredient to Stimulate Development in Children -
Long Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (LCPs), found naturally in breast milk, gives the biggest boost to infant and child visual and learning development during pregnancy and the first four months of pregnancy, according to a groundbreaking study announced at a December 1st global scientific conference in Birmingham, England.

Beans Have Positive Effect on Heart Health -
The November 26th issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine reports that researchers from Tulane University, studied interviews and medical exams of more than 9,600 Americans over the course of 19 years to learn how a diet rich in beans, peas, and legumes may affect heart health. It found that men and women who ate legumes at least four times weekly had a 22% lower risk of coronary heart disease, They also had lower blood pressure, total cholesterol, and were less likely to be diagnosed with high blood pressure and diabetes.

Zinc in Baby Diets -
A high mortality rate in babies born in India have found a connection with zinc deficiency. According to Johns Hopkins researchers, a daily supplement of zinc from a study of more than 1200 babies made a big difference reducing the number of deaths by one-third.

Chlorella Found Useful for Fibromyalgia and Other Health Conditions -
A recent study appeared in Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine which showed the Algae supplement Chlorella having a beneficial effect on conditions such as fibromyalgia, hypertension, and ulcerative colitis. The double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial were held using 55 subjects with fibromyalgia, 33 with hypertension, and 9 with ulcerative colitis. All subjects consuming chlorella showed marked improvements in quality of life.

Study Shows benefit from Omega-3 Consumption in Moms, Infants -
A National Institutes of Health study that appeared in Journal of Affective Disorders showed that seafood consumption and a significant Omega-3 fatty acid content in mother's milk could reduce the likelihood of postpartum depression in mother's. Omega-3's are also essential in developing a normal nervous system in infants.

Saw Palmetto Can Improve Symptoms For Men With Urinary Problems -
A study done at University of Chicago which appeared in the December issue of the Journal Urology, showed that the herbal remedy saw palmetto can slightly improve symptoms for men with urinary tract problems.

Surgeon General Warns of Obesity -
Some 60 percent of adults are overweight or obese, as are nearly 13 percent of children, according to the Surgeon General. He goes on to say that it may soon overtake tobacco as the leading cause of preventable deaths in the United States (some 300,000 deaths per year).

B Vitamins Improve Angioplasty Outcome -
In a recent New England Journal of Medicine article, a B-vitamin supplement (folic acid, B-12, and B-6), improved results of a heart patient procedure known as angioplasty. In the double-blind trial, patients who after six months received the angioplasty and were on the B-vitamin supplement, had only half as much narrowing of the arteries as were seen in the participants not receiving the supplement.

Selenium May Help Prevent Prostate Cancer -
A Stanford researcher's federally-funded study published in the December issue of Journal Urology showed that men with low blood levels of selenium - a trace mineral supplied in certain foods and supplements - are four to five times more likely to contract prostate cancer.

Folic Acid Protects Against Child Cancer -
Pregnant women taking folic acid and iron supplements could reduce the risk of childhood leukemia by up to 60%, according to a study published in The Lancet.

Study Examines Activated Charcoal -
Activated charcoal, a poison antidote used in emergency rooms for decades, can easily be used in children at home and may help prevent a trip to the hospital, according to a report in the December issue of Pediatrics. It can be mixed at home with water, juice, or soft drinks, and also comes pre-mixed with water. Activated charcoal is considered more effective for a broad range of household items because it keeps poisons from being absorbed into the bloodstream, while ipecac works for substances such as vitamin overdoses or toxic plants.

HOME