Health News Tidbits - November
Zinc May Shorten Colds -
A recent study showed that zinc lozenges may reduce duration and severity of cold
symptoms by almost half. The zinc group had cold symptoms for 4.5 days, compared to the
placebo group's 8.1 days. Zinc supplementation also improved coughing and nasal discharge. The Annals of Internal Medicine 8/15/2000
Farmer's Markets on the Rise -
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman announced that a record number of farmer's
markets are operating in the United States - 2,863 seasonal or year round markets -
reflecting a 63% increase from 1994 to 2000. Farmer's Markets are a great way to attain
fresh and sometimes organic produce while supporting the local farming community. Organic
and Natural News, October
FDA Permits Health Claim for Plant Stanols and Sterols -
Food products containing plant stanol and plant sterol esters can now carry a health claim
that they may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by lowering cholesterol levels.
Foods that would qualify under this claim include spreads such as Benecol and Take
Control, salad dressings, snack bars, and dietary supplements in soft gel form that
contain at least .65 grams of plant sterols or 1.7 grams of plant stanols.
Organic and Natural News, October
Novartis eliminates GE ingredients in Food Products -
Novartis, makers of food products such as Gerber baby foods, Ovaltine, and Wasa crackers
have eliminated all genetically engineered ingredients. Annual food sales for Novartis
total 1.2 billion.
Organic and Natural News, October
Recent Study Indicate Many Young American Have Clogged Arteries and High Cholesterol
Levels -
Researchers at Louisiana State University have found that 2% of U.S. males between the age
of 15 and 19 and 20% of men between age 30 and 34 have advanced arterial plaque that has
clogged arteries so badly that they could suffer heart attacks.
Vegetables Heart Best Friend? -
A recent study reviewed 188 healthy adults who ate a well-balanced diet which included a
regimen rich in fresh vegetables. Subjects experienced drops in homocysteine levels that
translate into a 7% to 9% reduction in heart attack risk. Circulation 8/22/2000
50 million believe to experience heartburn in the United States -
Heartburn occurs when stomach acid flows up into the esophagus. A gallup Survey of 1000
heartburn sufferers revealed that 65% of respondents experience both daytime and nighttime
heartburn. 75% of night-time sufferers report they have trouble falling asleep or staying
asleep because of symptoms.
Compliments of the American Gastroenterological Association
Some Vaccines More Dangerous than the Disease -
According to an editorial written for Chicago Parent by Dr. Linda Lorinez
Stanton, a Ph.D. of Immunology at the Pediatric Institute of Chicago, an unvaccinated
child in the U.S. cannot get polio today. According to Stanton, the U.S. has been free of
wild polio for 18 years. At present, the risk of adverse reactions to either the
injectable or oral polio vaccine is greater than the risk of contracting polio. Stanton
goes on to mention that there has been a steady, unexplained rise in the incidence of
autoimmune disease and allergic disease, such as asthma, during the vaccine era. Many
scientists, including Stanton, believe that this may be due to the widespread use of
vaccines, particularly the measles vaccine. Stanton warns that we should be cautious about
vaccine mandates and allow families with autoimmune disease, allergic disease, or adverse
reactions to vaccines to opt out of vaccine programs.
Chicken Soup is Medicine -
A team of scientists at the University of Nebraska confirm what grandmothers have known
for centuries--that chicken soup is good for colds. Chicken soup contains several
ingredients that affect the immune system in an anti-inflammatory capacity.
Should the Food Pyramid be Toppled? -
For those of you who missed this recent Chicago Sun-Times article, health experts are
beginning to fight over the validity of the Food Pyramid, but disagree on how to improve
the guidelines. One major issue is the current grouping of saturated and and poly/monounsaturated
oils. Poly and monounsaturated, the good fat, should be separated from saturated, the bad
fat. Another major issue is the 6-11 serving suggestion of grain, which is way too much.
Most agree that if people are encouraged to eat real food as opposed to processed food,
and more fruits and vegetables as opposed to junk food, much of the battle might be won.
Judge Nixes Label for Altered Crops -
A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit by critics of agricultural biotechnology who want the
government to require labels on foods made with genetically engineered crops. Unless the
FDA decides that biotech ingredients are materially different from conventional products,
it "lacks a basis upon which it can legally mandate labeling, regardless of consumer
demand," the judge wrote.
Health News Tidbits - June
Health News Tidbits - July
Health News Tidbits - August
Health News Tidbits - September
Health News Tidbits - October