May 2004 - Number 63
drhealth@getwel.com
* drhealth's getwel.com Home Page http://www.getwel.com
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Foods, Lifestyle and Nutrition By Walt Edwards Important Research Studies of Foods, Lifestyle and Nutrition Conducted In 2003 There Is A Better Way...It seems that America is experiencing an awakening -- there must be a better road to healthy living. Although we are faced with many obstacles -- the overwhelming health care crisis, system failure, poor health policies and massive misinformation -- million of consumers are finding that there are many paths to good health that exist outside our current accepted paradigm. This group of people is often classified as "alternative, integrative, or holistic" but collectively they represent the largest unorganized silent majority in the nation. More than 50 percent of the total U.S. population, over 158 million, use some type of complementary and alternative health practice or product and spend over $30 billion each year on treatment and prevention that is often not covered by traditional insurance. In fact, the number of visits to complementary and alternative practitioners is double that of conventional practitioners. Millions are realizing that "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." And as awareness spreads that chronic disease is preventable and reversible, we could experience an unprecedented shift from a disease-treatment system to a profound health and wellness culture that empowers individuals to take responsibility for their own health and allows them to live longer, healthier, more fulfilling lives. The following studies are provided to broaden the reader's awareness of the latest research on preventive care: Two primary vitamins, E and C are very important. (Antioxidants and Cognitive Function). A study of 14,968 women (70-79 years of age) investigated their cognitive functions in relationship to their intake of antioxidant supplements. The women were categorized by the amounts of vitamin E and vitamin C supplements taken and the length of time on an antioxidant program. They were then given a brief telephone cognitive function test. Results: 1. Long-term current users of E and C had significantly better scores than non-users. 2. Benefits were less consistent for women taking E alone with a still smaller relationship to those on C alone. 3. Researchers indicate that the greater effect of E over C may be that E is fat-soluble that is absorbed directly by tissue while C is water-soluble. They also point out that it is well established that E requires the presence of C for optimal metabolism. Acetaminophen, sold under the name of Tylenol, is extremely dangerous. On January 22, 2004, the FDA confirmed this fact. Acetaminophen is contained in 600 other drug products. Yet the FDA is making virtually no effort to prevent the 100 deaths and 56,000 emergency room visits that the agency itself admits are caused by acetaminophen drugs every year! Fewer plaques with Fish Oils. A study conducted in England involved 162 patients who were to undergo carotid artery surgery. Split into three groups, they received either sunflower oil (omega-6), fish oil (omega-3) or a control group of neither. Duration of treatment varied between seven and 189 days with 42 median. Researchers found plaque from those consuming fish oil (omega-3) was more stable than the plaque from those consuming sunflower oil (omega-6). The author feels the "stability of plaque could explain reductions in nonfatal and fatal cardiovascular events associated with increased omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid intake." Fish reduced prostate cancer risk. A large study conducted by the Harvard Medical School followed 47,882 men over a period of 12 years. It assessed their consumption of fish and marine fatty acids to incidence of prostate cancer. In evaluating 2,482 cases of prostate cancer among the group, they found that eating fish more than three times a week was associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer compared to infrequent fish consumption. Depression and plasma fatty acids. A group of 3,884 adults (60 years and older) were accessed for depressive symptoms. This group was further broken down into 725 subjects who had their blood drawn and ratios of omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids measured. In comparing the fatty acids ratios of 264 subjects who were found to have depressive symptoms to the remainder of the subjects, researchers found those with depressive disorders had a higher ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 than the others. Researchers state that their data suggests that relatively low concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids have a direct effect on mood disorders. Thought For Day: Recent news release confirmed that C-REACTIVE Protein is a superior diagnostic tool than cholesterol for predicting cardiovascular disease risk! C-REACTIVE Protein was the subject of a DrHealth Newsletter in 2002. Contact me for a copy. Prevention is the key to maintaining good health. Have a great day! |
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