Health News Tidbits - July
Women are Unaware that Mammography Can Detect Non-Progressive Cancers-
Most women are unaware that detection of non-progressive cancer by screening mammography
can lead to unnecessary invasive treatment, according to a study in this week's British
Medical Journal
Saw Palmetto: Popular in Prostate Cases -
With the dearth of studies demonstrating the safety and effectiveness of herbal remedies,
many physicians remain reluctant to recommend so-called botanical treatments. But Saw
Palmetto appears to be one exception to the rule. Derived from a spiky plant that grows
wild in the tropics, Saw Palmetto is increasingly being offered by physicians as an
effective treatment for men concerned about their prostate health. Healthy.net
Eating and Fatigue -
Several studies have shown that eating a pure carbohydrate meal can induce fatigue. The
mechanism for this involves the neurotransmitter systems, particularly serotonin.
"Food and Fatigue," by Ray Sahelian, M.D.
Use of Calcium Blockers May Increase Risk of GI bleeding -
Compared with patients using beta blockers, hypertensive patients using
calcium channel blockers have a higher risk of gastrointestinal tract (GI) bleeding,
according to a report in the June 26th issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine.
Ginkgo Biloba Helps with Artery Blockage -
A recent German study in the journal Arzneimittel Forschung suggests Ginkgo
Biloba may help intermittent claudication, a painful blockage to the arteries in the legs.
The double blind study enrolled 74 people with severe cases of claudication. Half were
given 240mg and the other half 120mg of Gingko Biloba daily. The higher-than-usual amounts
of Ginkgo Biloba increased the walking distance of subjects than those taking the normal
dose. Ginkgo Biloba is believed to be effective in improving circulation.
Fish Oil May Stop Premature Labor -
Published in the March issue of The British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology,
an analysis of 1000 women with a history of pregnancy complications showed that fish oil
supplements cut the risk of premature delivery in half.
Antibiotic Resistance Found in Boy on Farm -
Speculation about the dangers that antibiotic use has in farm animals came to the
forefront recently. According to a report in the New England Journal of Medicine,
doctors found a 12 year old Nebraska boy who became infected with salmonella - the same
antibiotic resistant strain found in cattle on his family's farm. The specific
strain was resistant to 13 different antibiotics, because the cattle had been given a
specific antibiotic ceftiofur, the Journal says. Experts believe that the more frequently
antibiotics are used, the greater the chance that bacteria will evolve into
antibiotic-resistant forms.
Sleeping Off Poor Health -
University of Chicago Department of Medicine researcher's have concluded that lack of
sleep affects the body, particularly in how it handles food. In a double blind study,
participants were subjected to four hours of sleep for six nights, and results found that
their blood sugar, or glucose, spiked much higher after breakfast than those who slept
nine hours a night. These levels were elevated enough in men to warrant a condition that
falls somewhere between normal and diabetic, often a precursor to diabetes.
JULY FEATURE - Excipients or Other Ingredients in Dietary
Supplements
written by Bonnie and Steve Minsky
One always has to read labels when purchasing a dietary supplement. The Excipients or "other ingredients" in dietary supplements are vital for their function, but could contain potential allergens or cause side effects if not paid attention to.
Excipients help:
-Transport key ingredients to the site in the body where they can be absorbed.
-Prevent the ingredients from being released too early in the assimilation process.
-The tablet or capsule to disintegrate into particles small enough to reach the
bloodstream quickly.
-Protect the product's stability so it will be at maximum effectiveness at the time of
use.
Common Excipients (this is not a complete list):
Safe
Annatto Extract
Beeswax
Carnauba Wax
Cellulose gum
Colloidal silicon dioxide
Croscarmellose Sodium
Dicalcium phosphate
Glycerin
Guar Gum
MCT
Magnesium stearate
Microcrystalline cellulose
Potato Starch
Silica
Stearic acid
Titanium dioxide
Ones to Watch
Maltodextrin (corn derivative)
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate ( if from natural source, OK, if not, horrible)
Wheat, Yeast, Soy, Milk, Corn or other potentially allergenic substances
Vanillin
Avoid
Artificial Color or Flavors
Preservatives
Yellow or any color dyes
Sugars
If you are a sensitive or allergic person and question any ingredient in any dietary
supplement, please consult with your health professional before purchasing that item to
see if it is compatible for your individual needs. You can also visit the International
Pharmaceutical Excipients Council at http://www.ipecamericas.org/public/faqs.html
or US Code of Federal Regulations Substances Generally Recognized Safe at http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_99/21cfrv3_99.html
for more information.
Health News Tidbits -
June