Health First Flash!
Health First Flash!CHICAGO (Reuters Health) - Ground flaxseed may contain compounds that protect postmenopausal women from breast cancer, researchers report.
Blood levels of specific estrogens linked to increased risk for breast cancer "decreased significantly with flax" supplementation, according to Dr. Joanne Slavin of the University of Minnesota in St. Paul. She presented the findings here Wednesday at the annual meeting of the American Chemical Society.
Previous studies have suggested that naturally occurring compounds called phytoestrogens found in foods like flaxseed and soy work to lower levels of circulating estrogens linked to breast cancer. Flaxseed is especially high in one such phytoestrogen, lignan, which is thought to inhibit estrogen production.
In their study, Slavin's team tracked blood levels of two cancer-related estrogens, estrone sulfate and estradiol, in a group of 28 postmenopausal nuns over the course of one year. On top of their regular diet (which was similar for all the women studied), the nuns received daily supplements of either 0, 5 or 10 grams of ground flaxseed.
The researchers report that levels of the two circulating estrogens fell significantly among women taking the supplements, but remained stable in the non-supplement group.
Speaking to reporters, Slavin cautioned that the findings need to be duplicated in long-term studies before any definite recommendation regarding women and flaxseed consumption can be made.
But she believes that flax may soon join soy as a popular source of cancer-fighting compounds. Already, she said, many people "are starting to use flax as an alternative to soy because of its high levels of phytoestrogens."
Prior studies have suggested flaxseed may protect younger women from breast cancer, as well, Slavin said.
and last month, researchers reported in a small pilot study that a low-fat diet supplemented with flaxseed may reduce the growth of prostate cancer cells.
By E. J. Mundell
Over the last several years, the popularity and consumer awareness of essential fatty acids has been on an exponential increase. Previously, consumers had been taught to shun all fats, making no distinction between “bad” fats or “good” fats. The research emerging on the benefits of “good” fats, however, proved to be too extensive for health professionals and the media to ignore. Now a growing percentage of consumers are taking the step of supplementing their diets with these vital nutrients.
Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are indeed essential. They are needed for maintaining cell wall and membrane structure, energy and hormone production and normal functioning of the brain, nerves and eyes. Further, studies show that EFAs help us deal with such serious health issues as heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and mental disorders.1 The most important fatty acids are ALA (alpha linolenic acid), GLA (gamma linolenic acid), and Omega-3 fatty acids (including EPA and DHA).
With the increasing popularity of EFAs, the choices for consumers have also become more difficult. The “wall of supplements” at your local health food store often has an over-abundance of choices. How can you choose the right EFA for you?
Multi-EFAs: A good place to start
The best place to start when choosing an EFA supplement is to consider your own health needs. If you are a generally healthy individual, without any major health concerns and just wanting to take an EFA supplement for daily insurance, then a multi-EFA may be the best choice for you.
Selecting a multi-EFA supplement is the most convenient way to get the essential fats needed for everyday health. A multi-EFA is to good fats what a multi-vitamin is to vitamin supplementation. And like a multi-vitamin, a multi-EFA should be taken everyday. Look for a multi-EFA that contains a full spectrum of omega 3, omega 6 and omega 9 fatty acids. The oils used to get a complete blend of EFAs are most commonly sourced from a combination of the plants borage and flax, and fish found in deep, cold waters.
With certain health issues, you might consider a more specific single EFA or even rotating use of that single EFA together with a multi-EFA. The single EFA supplements and their key uses include:
Fish oil supplements: Heart health, joint health and brain health.
GLA supplements (borage oil or evening primrose oil): PMS symptoms, skin health, diabetic neuropathy, and joint health.
ALA and lignan supplements (flax seed oil): Heart health, digestive health and some PMS symptoms. Flax seed oil should also be considered by those who do not tolerate or eat fish, as ALA is converted in the body to EPA and DHA omega-3’s.
1. Gittleman, Anne Louise “Get your healthy fats the easy way.” March 2001. www.fatsforhealth.com
It is estimated that almost one-third of Canadians suffer from low stomach acidity.1 This condition occurs when an individual’s stomach is unable to produce a sufficient amount of stomach acid (hydrochloric acid) for the proper functioning of the digestive system. Baby boomers and seniors are the groups most commonly afflicted by low stomach acidity, as aging and the frequent use of medications can reduce the stomach’s acid producing capability.1
Common signs of low stomach acidity are reflected in a variety of poor digestion symptoms. Bloating, belching and flatulence after meals, indigestion, heartburn, diarrhea or constipation, undigested food in the stool, and food allergies are all associated with insufficient stomach acid.
There are serious health concerns that can result from low stomach acidity. One is the poor absorption of minerals and vitamins, particularly calcium, iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid. Just recently, certain ulcer drugs that lower stomach acid production were linked to a 41% reduction in calcium absorption in women.2 Poor absorption of minerals and vitamins can lead to malnutrition and a host of health problems. A second concern is that low stomach acidity has been found to adversely affect the immune system of seniors. Because food borne bacteria and parasites thrive in an environment of low stomach acidity, risk of a related infection is increased.3
Many health care professionals recommend betaine hydrochloride supplementation to maintain proper stomach acid production. Betaine hydrochloride is a vitamin-like nutrient found naturally in grains and contains hydrochloric acid.
One way to alleviate digestive problems is to supplement with a full spectrum digestive enzyme containing added betaine hydrochloride. A full spectrum digestive enzyme typically contains a complex of enzymes to break down the major food substances – proteins, fats, carbohydrates, lactose and plant materials. The addition of betaine hydrochloride to such a supplement will help those with low stomach acidity by ensuring a more productive digestive environment. Betaine hydrochloride also helps to activate enzymes for improved digestion. For a more serious stomach acidity problem, your health care professional may recommend a high dose betaine hydrochloride supplement.
1. Cathy Wong, N.D., Alternative Medicine.
1. http://altmedicine.about.com/cs/digestiveproblems/a/LowHCL.htm
2. American Journal of Medicine (2005; 118; 778-81)
3. US Food and Drug Administration, Seniors and Food Safety (May 1999)
Washington, DC—The
findings of a landmark trial-published in the Jan. 27 issue of The
Lancet-provide solid scientific evidence that glucosamine
relieves the symptoms of osteoarthritis and also halts or slows progression of
the disease. By comparing a series of knee X-rays among patients who consumed
glucosamine or a placebo, the breakthrough study demonstrated that glucosamine
can favorably modify joint structure.
Several earlier
short-term studies showed that glucosamine relieves the symptoms of
osteoarthritis, but each called for long-term trials to confirm the results. The
rigorously conducted study, reported in The Lancet, answers this call.
The three-year study established the long-term benefit and safety of glucosamine
in treating osteoarthritis. Its clinical importance-delaying the time to
disability or reducing the number of surgical interventions-will await
longer-term follow-up studies.
The benefit of chondroitin,
another popular nutritional supplement used among arthritis sufferers, was not
tested in this recent study. However, a $14-million multicentre trial, funded by
the National Institutes of Health (NIH), will determine whether the combination
of glucosamine and chondroitin is more effective than either supplement alone.
The NIH study will involve over 1500 patients and the final report is expected
in March 2005.
"The impact of
this major scientific research is staggering" said John Cordaro, president
of the Council for Responsible Nutrition. "Osteoarthritis is a major health
problem for approximately 20 million people in the United States and the cost of
arthritis to our economy exceeds one billion dollars." "Further,
osteoarthritis is the most common reason for total hip and total knee
replacement." With these facts in mind, it is clear that these research
results are amazingly significant." "Once again, science has
demonstrated the need for, and the benefits and safety of dietary
supplements," Cordaro noted.
Live long enough and you can pretty
much count on developing arthritis: a touch of osteoarthritis, at the very
least.
Arthritis ('arth' meaning joint, 'itis' meaning inflammation) isn't a one-note
story or even a few variations on a single theme; it actually consists of more
than 100 different conditions. These can be anything from relatively mild forms
of tendonitis (as in 'tennis elbow') and bursitis to crippling systemic forms,
such as rheumatoid arthritis. There are pain syndromes like fibromyalgia and
arthritis-related disorders, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, that involve
every part of the body. There are forms of the disease, such as gout, that
almost nobody connects with arthritis, and there are other conditions - like
osteoarthritis, the misnamed 'wear and tear' arthritis - that a good many people
think is the only form of the disease.
True, many older people do have arthritis, but it's not just a disease of the
old. Some forms of arthritis affect children still in diapers, while thousands
of people are stricken in the prime of their lives. The common denominator for
all these conditions is joint and musculoskeletal pain, which is why they are
grouped together as 'arthritis.' Often that pain is a result of inflammation of
the joint lining.
Inflammation is involved in many forms of arthritis. It is the body's natural
response to injury. The warning signs that inflammation presents are redness,
swelling, heat and pain. These are the same kinds of reaction the body has to a
sliver in the hand, for example. When a joint becomes inflamed, it may get any
or all of these symptoms. This can prevent the normal use of the joint and
therefore it can cause the loss of function of that joint.
Anatomy of a Joint
There are more 100 joints connecting
the body's 206 bones. Most of the major bone connections in the body are joints
designed to allow a broad range of motion. There are different kinds for
different functions: ball-and-socket (hips and shoulders), saddle joints (which
connect thumb to hand), hinge joints (fingers and knees) or pivot joints
(wrists).
Tied together by ligaments, the bones
of joints are capped with a smooth substance called cartilage. This tough
elastic material acts as a shock absorber and allows the bone ends to glide
smoothly across each other. If the cartilage is destroyed (as in
osteoarthritis), the bones of a joint can grind against each other causing pain,
loss of mobility, deformity and dysfunction.
Between the bones is a joint cavity, which gives the bones room to move. The
joint space between two bones is enclosed by a capsule that's flexible, yet
strong enough to protect the joint against dislocation. The inner lining of this
capsule, the synovium, produces a thick fluid that lubricates and nourishes the
joint. In many forms of arthritis, the synovium becomes inflamed and thickened,
producing extra fluid which contains inflammatory cells. The inflamed synovium
and fluid can damage the cartilage and underlying bone.
No one knows what causes arthritis, though scientists have uncovered a host of
clues. Something can be done to manage most forms of arthritis, but it's very
important that a correct diagnosis is established early. Most therapies work
best when started early in the disease process.
What
is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis
(OA) is often called 'wear and tear' of the joints. OA causes certain
parts of the joints to weaken and break down. Cartilage, the tough elastic
material that cushions the ends of the bones, begins to crack and get holes in
it. Bits of cartilage can break off into the joint space and irritate soft
tissues, such as muscles, and cause problems with movement. Much of the pain of
OA is a result of muscles and the other tissues that help joints move (such as
tendons and ligaments) being forced to work in ways for which they were not
designed, as a result of damage to the cartilage. Cartilage itself does not have
nerve cells, and therefore cannot sense pain, but the muscles, tendons,
ligaments and bones do. After many years of cartilage erosion, bones may
actually rub together. This grinding of bone against bone adds further to the
pain. Bones can also thicken and form growths, called spurs or osteophytes,
which rub together. Also, when cartilage is weak or damaged, the
surrounding bones place extra force on it, and this may cause excessive blood
flow (hyperemia) that can cause pain, especially at night.
What
are the warning signs of osteoarthritis?
Source: The Arthritis Society
Glucosamine
is a nutritional supplement that has been the subject of books, TV news
programs, articles in popular magazines, Internet debates, and scientific
investigations.
Origin
The human body produces glucosamine, a natural component in cartilage. The
typical glucosamine supplements are glucosamine sulfate and glucosamine
hydrochloride, available in capsule, powder, or liquid forms.
Glucosamine can be extracted from the shells of crustaceans, such as crabs,
shrimp and lobster.
But, many studies were small in number, of short duration,
and not well controlled. Most trials measured pain change only. Few studies
assessed radiographic progression of the disease, which is critical to
understanding if glucosamine can rebuild cartilage as the proponents claim. The
knee, followed by the hip, were the joint sites most frequently investigated,
even though osteoarthritis afflicts joints in the fingers, hands, feet, and
back.
Several studies probed the effectiveness of a combination of glucosamine and
chondroitin. Drawing glucosamine-only conclusions are difficult.
Also, the exact profile of the user most likely to benefit from glucosamine is
unclear. A recent US study reported that glucosamine appeared less effective if
a person was older, heavier, and a long-time arthritis sufferer.
Two current large-scale trials hope to have answers soon. In 1999, the National
Institute of Health launched a four-year clinical trial to test the
effectiveness of glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate for 1000 patients
suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee.
In another multicentre trial underway, glucosamine and chondroitin are being
tested, individually and in combination, to determine their effectiveness in
treating knee pain associated with osteoarthritis. The study period is 27 months
and involves 1588 participants. The National Center for Complementary and
Alternative Medicine is sponsoring the study.
Risks and unknowns
So far, glucosamine's safety profile looks good. It seems well tolerated, has
manageable side effects, and few contraindications. Caution is advised for
diabetics, pregnant and lactating women. Regarding chondroitin, evidence exist
that it interferes with blood-thinning drugs such as warfarin.
Right now, the big questions that remain are:
Final
points
The drugs used in conventional nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory treatment of
osteoarthritis can and do produce adverse effects. In addition, they do not
alter the progression of osteoarthritis. It is not surprising that other
treatments, like glucosamine, receive attention.
Right now glucosamine is classified as a nutritional supplement, not drug
therapy. Health Canada has not approved it for use in the treatment of any
medical condition. Also, the Arthritis Society of Canada does not include
glucosamine supplements in its information on treatment options for
osteoarthritis.
In the American College of Rheumatology's recommendations for the medical
management of osteoarthritis of the knee and hip, glucosamine and chondroitin
are acknowledged as agents under investigation. The recommendations, published
in the Arthritis & Rheumatism Journal, September 2000, state that use of
glucosamine for joint pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis is premature at
present.
The premise of a substance that rebuilds cartilage and relieves symptoms of
arthritis is appealing. The evidence thus far, is promising. Further study will
determine if the dietary supplement, glucosamine, is effective for the
management of osteoarthritis.
Washington, DC—A
new survey of more than 300 cardiologists shows that many cardiologists take
vitamin E supplements themselves and also recommend vitamin E supplements to
their patients. The amount of vitamin E most commonly used or recommended is 400
International Units (IU).
The survey found
that three-fourths (75%) of cardiologists recommend vitamin E to their patients
at least some of the time, with 37% of cardiologists recommending vitamin E
"often" or "usually." When vitamin E is recommended, the
amount suggested is generally 400 IU, but 16% of the physicians said they
recommend 800 IU. About half of the cardiologists surveyed (48%) said they
personally use vitamin E supplements. The amount of vitamin E used is most often
400 IU, but 13% said they use 800 IU.
This survey shows that cardiologists are much more likely than the average American to be taking vitamin E to protect the heart, presumably because cardiologists are more aware of the scientific evidence. A recent survey by the Hartman Group showed that 19% of American adults used a single-nutrient vitamin E supplement. In comparison, the prevalence of vitamin E supplementation among cardiologists is two-and-a-half times as high (48%).
"The
hypothesis that antioxidants such as vitamin E inhibit the atherosclerotic
process remains valid," said Michael Davidson, M.D., Director of Preventive
Cardiology at Rush Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical School in Chicago and
President of the Chicago Center for Clinical Research (312-494-2221, mdavidson@protocare.com).
"It makes sense to follow the example of cardiologists who are choosing to
protect themselves and their patients now, while monitoring the results of new
research as it emerges."
Dr. William A
Pryor, an expert in the field of antioxidant research, recently concluded
"there is now sufficient evidence to recommend modest vitamin E
supplementation (100 to 400 IU per day) as part of a general program of
heart-healthy behavior that includes a fruit- and vegetable-rich diet and
regular exercise." (Free Rad Biol & Med 2000;28:141-164) In his
extensive article, Dr. Pryor reviews and critiques all the available evidence on
vitamin E and heart disease, including animal and laboratory studies as well as
epidemiological data and several large clinical trials. Eleven additional
clinical trials are currently in progress, involving more than 100,000 study
participants. Dr. Pryor emphasizes that vitamin E "is established as
safe" at the levels being used in the clinical trials, ranging from 100 to
800 IU per day. He notes that, in addition to its heart-healthy effects, vitamin
E also improves the immune function and provides protection against some other
diseases, such as prostate cancer.
A report on
dietary reference intakes for the antioxidant vitamins, released in 2000 by the
Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine, highlighted promising
research on vitamin E and heart disease but did not establish target intakes for
prevention of heart disease. The report acknowledged that current research on
the prevention of heart disease is heavily focused on preventing the oxidation
of LDL cholesterol. The report concluded that vitamin E does in fact inhibit LDL
oxidation and could also affect the risk of heart disease in other ways,
including effects on platelet aggregation, blood clotting, and the
characteristics of smooth muscle cells. The report called for further research.
On the issue of safety, the Food and Nutrition Board report said supplemental
vitamin E is safe for use by adults at levels up to 1000 mg per day.
The Food and
Nutrition Board report indicated that the maximum degree of protection against
LDL oxidation requires dosages of vitamin E greater than 200 IU per day. These
amounts cannot feasibly be obtained from conventional foods, but can only
realistically be obtained from dietary supplements. For example, it would take 7
cups of peanuts or 19 cups of spinach to provide just 100 IU of vitamin E, and
munching on peanuts delivers 166 calories per ounce, according to a database
compiled by the Department of Agriculture. In contrast, a single soft gelatin
capsule can provide 400 IU of vitamin E in an economical, safe, easy-to-use,
low-calorie form.
The survey on
vitamin E use among cardiologists was commissioned by the Council for
Responsible Nutrition (CRN), a trade association representing more than 110
companies in the dietary supplement industry, and was conducted by Psymed, Inc.,
a marketing research firm based in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.
Source: Council for Responsible Nutrition (March 2001)
By Lorna R. Vanderhaeghe
Scientists at Harvard Medical School have advised all adults to take multivitamins with minerals every day to help prevent deficiencies of nutrients that may contribute to a multitude of health problems. Sub optimal levels of folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12, deficient levels of calcium and vitamin D, can all contribute to degenerative disease.
While the market is flooded with multi-nutrient formulas, many contain only Health Canada’s recommended dietary allowance of vitamins and minerals. While those amounts may be sufficient to prevent diseases such as scurvy, we know that vibrant health requires nutrients in optimal amounts.
Research also shows that the body more readily uses certain forms of vitamins and minerals than others. Many vitamin combinations on the market today use the cheapest available forms of vitamins and minerals or worse yet, don’t label what forms are found in the pill. Make sure you purchase nutrients from a reputable company that manufactures under good manufacturing processes (GMP) and that also third party independently tests their finished nutrients for potency and purity. Make sure the label states the type of nutrient and the quality. Your multinutrient formula should disclose the source of its ingredients. For example, instead of just saying magnesium, the label should say magnesium (as citrate, oxide or chelate).
Is your multinutrient formula in capsule form? Most people find capsules easier to digest. Or better yet, does your formula contain betaine hydrochloride to help digest the nutrients? The formula should be designed for your unique needs. If you are a woman you will need different nutrients than a man.
You can’t get all your nutrients from food, for example, to get 1000 micrograms of folic acid, the level that has been shown to be beneficial for certain ailments, you would have to consume over 40 pounds of oranges every day. To obtain the recommended daily 100-microgram dosage of selenium, you would have to consume 1 pound of garlic every day! To match 500 milligrams of magnesium, you would need to eat over six pounds of green peppers or nearly five pounds of carrots every day. No one is eating enough fruits and vegetables to get adequate nutrients so we have to supplement with a good multinutrient formula.
FemmEssentials is formulated for a woman’s special needs. This complete multinutrient formula contains all the nutrients you need for optimal health. FemmEssentials is conveniently packaged in individual packets that you can just pop in your purse. Every third batch is independently tested for purity and potency. FemmEssentials, formulated with care, by a woman for women. For more information go to www.hormonehelp.com.
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