... about their prostate... and the possibility of prostate cancer.
Because, men, it's an indisputable fact: Once you reach a certain age, then simply because of your age, you're at higher risk of developing prostate cancer.Even when prostate cancer is successfully treated, the cancer returns in about 70 percent of cases. Needless to say, that rate of recurrence is unacceptable.So what's behind this incredibly high recurrence rate?
Recent research reveals that prostate cancer stem cells initiate the disease in the first place. Unfortunately, this sub-group of cells is resistant to conventional treatment with chemotherapy.
This appears to be the key behind the relapses. Chemo often controls the bulk of prostate cancer cells, but it doesn't kill the stem cells. So these surviving stem cells can start up the cancer growth again.
Enter gamma-tocotrienol — one of the eight forms of vitamin E.
New studies from Australia show that gamma-tocotrienol appears to do two very important things:
1) It prevents growth of cancer from prostate cancer stem cells
2) When prostate cancer is detected, gamma-tocotrienol kills normal cancer cells and induces stem cells to self destruct, sharply reducing the likelihood the cancer will return
Now, there is a caveat...
So far, only a mouse study and a lab study support this chain of events. But given that gamma-tocotrienol is a known cancer-fighter, does no harm, and does a lot of good for the heart, this is a course of treatment every prostate cancer patient (or anyone concerned about his prostate) should consider adding to his routine
The effects of the four forms of tocotrienols on breast cancer cells have already been documented. Like the new prostate cancer study, research showed that tocotrienols helped induce breast cancer cells to self-destruct.
More recently, tocotrienol research has shown that these vitamin E forms may also offer significant protection from the DNA damage that promotes cancer growth.
In a 2007 study, 65 healthy adults received either a supplement that contained all four tocotrienols or a placebo. After six months, researchers found that significantly less DNA damage was apparent in the white blood cells of those in the tocotrienol group, compared to the placebo group.
Tocotrienol cancer research still has a long way to go. But in the meantime, it's hard to go wrong including tocotrienols in your diet (sources include palm oil, cereal grains, rice bran oil, and wheat germ oil) or your supplement regimen.
One reseacher Dr. Spreen has pointed out that tocotrienols are "icing on the cake" in delivering cardiovascular benefits. The "cake" in this case is the full spectrum of tocopherols — the other four vitamin E forms.
Dr. Spreen: "There has been considerable peer-review research concerning the benefit of tocotrienols in even more than just cardiovascular disease, to include aging, Alzheimer's disease, breast disease and others."
As we keep an eye on the cutting edge of integrated medicine research, I'm sure we'll be seeing a lot more of tocotrienols. And if you have a prostate, (or even if you don't) you should be seeing a lot more of them even sooner.
To your abundant health,
Dr Ike
Functional Health Expert and Health Coach
Reference:
"Gamma-tocotrienol as an effective agent in targeting prostate cancer stem cell-like population" International Journal of Cancer 7/8/10.
Saturday 29 January 2011
Thursday 27 January 2011
Ten ways cranberries can improve your health - part two
This post concludes the report on ten benefits of ingesting cranberries:
6) Cranberry juice helps prevent gum disease by killing bacteria that promotes dental plaque.
7) Cranberry juice helps prevent Helicobacter pylori from attaching to the gastric wall. H. pylori is the cause of nearly all gastric ulcers and also contributes to food allergies.
8) As many women know, cranberry juice helps clear up urinary tract infections. But a New England Journal of Medicine study shows that cranberry juice can actually prevent the infection in the first place. It stops E. coli from attaching to the bladder wall.
9) Cranberries reduce risk of kidney stone formation.
10) Cranberries relieve asthma by dilating the bronchial tubes.
My tip - eat whole cranberries, rather than just juice.
To your abundant health,
Dr Ike
Functional Health Expert and Health Coach
6) Cranberry juice helps prevent gum disease by killing bacteria that promotes dental plaque.
7) Cranberry juice helps prevent Helicobacter pylori from attaching to the gastric wall. H. pylori is the cause of nearly all gastric ulcers and also contributes to food allergies.
8) As many women know, cranberry juice helps clear up urinary tract infections. But a New England Journal of Medicine study shows that cranberry juice can actually prevent the infection in the first place. It stops E. coli from attaching to the bladder wall.
9) Cranberries reduce risk of kidney stone formation.
10) Cranberries relieve asthma by dilating the bronchial tubes.
My tip - eat whole cranberries, rather than just juice.
To your abundant health,
Dr Ike
Functional Health Expert and Health Coach
Wednesday 26 January 2011
Ten ways cranberries can improve your health - part one
This is the first part of a two part discussion on the benefits of adding the cranberry fruit to your nutritional basket - five of the reasons are given below:
1) Cranberries contain plenty of vitamin C — exactly what you need during the cold and flu season.
2) Cranberries are loaded with antioxidants. A few years ago a study examined more than 100 different types of fruits, vegetables, beans and other foods for antioxidant content. Cranberries ranked number six, right behind blueberries, and well ahead of strawberries, apples, cherries, and plums.
3) The cranberry is an excellent source of resveratrol, the anti-inflammatory compound that's been shown to protect heart and nerve cells while also assisting in DNA repair — one of the keys to fighting cancer.
4) And speaking of cancer, cranberry bioflavonoids have been linked to prevention of several cancers, including breast, prostate, colon and lung. In fact, scientists have discovered that cranberry components play a role in no less than five different anti-cancer mechanisms.
5) Cranberries help increase HDL ‘good’ cholesterol.
And another thing, cranberries taste absolutely delicious! So start enjoying them today - and watch out for part two of this discussion.
To your abundant health,
Dr Ike
Functional Health Expert and Health Coach
1) Cranberries contain plenty of vitamin C — exactly what you need during the cold and flu season.
2) Cranberries are loaded with antioxidants. A few years ago a study examined more than 100 different types of fruits, vegetables, beans and other foods for antioxidant content. Cranberries ranked number six, right behind blueberries, and well ahead of strawberries, apples, cherries, and plums.
3) The cranberry is an excellent source of resveratrol, the anti-inflammatory compound that's been shown to protect heart and nerve cells while also assisting in DNA repair — one of the keys to fighting cancer.
4) And speaking of cancer, cranberry bioflavonoids have been linked to prevention of several cancers, including breast, prostate, colon and lung. In fact, scientists have discovered that cranberry components play a role in no less than five different anti-cancer mechanisms.
5) Cranberries help increase HDL ‘good’ cholesterol.
And another thing, cranberries taste absolutely delicious! So start enjoying them today - and watch out for part two of this discussion.
To your abundant health,
Dr Ike
Functional Health Expert and Health Coach
Monday 24 January 2011
Risk of Diabetes reduced with this mineral
Two clinical studies revealed that people who consumed the most magnesium in their diets were less likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
Researchers at the Harvard Medical School and School of Public Health in Boston revealed that there is direct evidence that greater intake of dietary magnesium may have a long-term protective effect, lowering the risk of this devastating chronic illness.
"The take-home message for the public is that a diet rich in plant-based foods such as nuts, whole grains and vegetables that are high in magnesium may be beneficial for prevention," Dr Liu of the Harvard Medical School said.
In one of the long term, large scale studies, researchers evaluated the nutrition of about 85,000 female nurses and more than 42,000 male health professionals every 2 to 4 years. Women were followed for 18 years and the men for 12 years.
In both men and women, those who consumed the most magnesium in their diet were least likely to develop type 2 diabetes during the study, according to a report in the journal Diabetes Care.
The second study involved more than 39,000 women who had no history of diabetes, heart disease or cancer. The women were followed for 6 years to see if the amount of magnesium they consumed affected the odds of developing diabetes.
Indeed, women who consumed more magnesium in their diet were less likely to develop diabetes, the researchers report. The references for these studies are available below. The bottom line is magnesium supplementation is associated with reduced risk of type two diabetes, when it is part of a healthy lifestyle, including balanced nutrition.
To your abundant health,
Dr Ike
Functional Health Expert and Health Coach.
References:
Song Y, Manson JE, Buring JE, Liu S. Dietary magnesium intake in relation to plasma insulin levels and risk of type 2 diabetes in women. Diabetes Care. 2004 Jan;27(1):59-65.
Lopez-Ridaura R, Willett WC, Rimm EB, Liu S, Stampfer MJ, Manson JE, Hu FB.Magnesium intake and risk of type 2 diabetes in men and women. Diabetes Care. 2004 Jan;27(1):134-40.
Researchers at the Harvard Medical School and School of Public Health in Boston revealed that there is direct evidence that greater intake of dietary magnesium may have a long-term protective effect, lowering the risk of this devastating chronic illness.
"The take-home message for the public is that a diet rich in plant-based foods such as nuts, whole grains and vegetables that are high in magnesium may be beneficial for prevention," Dr Liu of the Harvard Medical School said.
In one of the long term, large scale studies, researchers evaluated the nutrition of about 85,000 female nurses and more than 42,000 male health professionals every 2 to 4 years. Women were followed for 18 years and the men for 12 years.
In both men and women, those who consumed the most magnesium in their diet were least likely to develop type 2 diabetes during the study, according to a report in the journal Diabetes Care.
The second study involved more than 39,000 women who had no history of diabetes, heart disease or cancer. The women were followed for 6 years to see if the amount of magnesium they consumed affected the odds of developing diabetes.
Indeed, women who consumed more magnesium in their diet were less likely to develop diabetes, the researchers report. The references for these studies are available below. The bottom line is magnesium supplementation is associated with reduced risk of type two diabetes, when it is part of a healthy lifestyle, including balanced nutrition.
To your abundant health,
Dr Ike
Functional Health Expert and Health Coach.
References:
Song Y, Manson JE, Buring JE, Liu S. Dietary magnesium intake in relation to plasma insulin levels and risk of type 2 diabetes in women. Diabetes Care. 2004 Jan;27(1):59-65.
Lopez-Ridaura R, Willett WC, Rimm EB, Liu S, Stampfer MJ, Manson JE, Hu FB.Magnesium intake and risk of type 2 diabetes in men and women. Diabetes Care. 2004 Jan;27(1):134-40.
Friday 21 January 2011
Functional Medicine Times: Naturally sourced blood pressure regulators -part two
Co-enzyme Q10 is just as effective as many anti-hypertensive drugs but without the side effects - it is one of the most potent supplements for lowering high blood pressure is co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10) — a natural substance produced in the body. For many people, it can lower blood pressure as effectively as prescription medication and without the adverse side effects.
In a double-blind clinical trial, a group of 76 patients with hypertension took 60mg of CoQ10 or a placebo for 12 weeks. At the end of the study, the CoQ10 group had an average reduction of 18 points in their blood pressure, leading the researchers to conclude: CoQ10 may safely be offered to hypertensive patients as an alternative treatment option. This is no doubt a small study, but further research is ongoing.
But remember, not all CoQ10 is equal. Make sure you take only the best form of CoQ10, known as UBIQUINOL... it allows your body to absorb up to 8 times more beneficial CoQ10 than ordinary store-bought CoQ10.
Taurine and arginine – a powerful duo for keeping your blood pressure down
The amino acid taurine regulates blood pressure in two ways: by balancing the ratio of sodium to potassium in the blood (too much sodium or too little potassium cause blood pressure to rise) and also by reducing production of the hormone adrenaline, which raises blood pressure. Taking six grams of taurine a day for just one week could dramatically lower your systolic blood pressure by nine points.
Another amino acid that has a profound effect on blood pressure is arginine, which is thought to work by producing nitric oxide. This regulates the tone of the blood vessels and prevents them going into spasm, which constricts blood flow and raises blood pressure. Take six to ten grams of L-arginine daily.
Use these natural products and watch your blood pressure fall to acceptable levels - you will be glad you did.
To your abundant health,
Dr Ike
Functional Health Expert and Health Coach
References:
The Immune System and Hypertension. 'The Kidney and Blood Pressure Regulation', by Dr. David J Dzielak, Hypertension. 19(1) Supplement I:I-36-I-44, January 1992.
Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 63 (3, Suppl.): 423S-425S, 1996
Nutrition Reviews 47(10): 291-300, 1989
Lancet ii:742-3, 1983
New England J. Med. 329(18): 1177-82, 1989
Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 45(2): 469-75, 1987
J. Hypertens. 12: 1071-75, 1990
Medical Hypotheses 32:21-28, 1990; Eur, J. Clin. Pharmacol. 40(suppl.):49-51, 1991
Clinical Therapeutics 8(5):537-45, 1986
NEJM 1989; 320(16): 1037-43
Circulation 1987; 75(3): 525-32
Am J Hypertension 2000; 13: 547-551
In a double-blind clinical trial, a group of 76 patients with hypertension took 60mg of CoQ10 or a placebo for 12 weeks. At the end of the study, the CoQ10 group had an average reduction of 18 points in their blood pressure, leading the researchers to conclude: CoQ10 may safely be offered to hypertensive patients as an alternative treatment option. This is no doubt a small study, but further research is ongoing.
But remember, not all CoQ10 is equal. Make sure you take only the best form of CoQ10, known as UBIQUINOL... it allows your body to absorb up to 8 times more beneficial CoQ10 than ordinary store-bought CoQ10.
Taurine and arginine – a powerful duo for keeping your blood pressure down
The amino acid taurine regulates blood pressure in two ways: by balancing the ratio of sodium to potassium in the blood (too much sodium or too little potassium cause blood pressure to rise) and also by reducing production of the hormone adrenaline, which raises blood pressure. Taking six grams of taurine a day for just one week could dramatically lower your systolic blood pressure by nine points.
Another amino acid that has a profound effect on blood pressure is arginine, which is thought to work by producing nitric oxide. This regulates the tone of the blood vessels and prevents them going into spasm, which constricts blood flow and raises blood pressure. Take six to ten grams of L-arginine daily.
Use these natural products and watch your blood pressure fall to acceptable levels - you will be glad you did.
To your abundant health,
Dr Ike
Functional Health Expert and Health Coach
References:
The Immune System and Hypertension. 'The Kidney and Blood Pressure Regulation', by Dr. David J Dzielak, Hypertension. 19(1) Supplement I:I-36-I-44, January 1992.
Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 63 (3, Suppl.): 423S-425S, 1996
Nutrition Reviews 47(10): 291-300, 1989
Lancet ii:742-3, 1983
New England J. Med. 329(18): 1177-82, 1989
Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 45(2): 469-75, 1987
J. Hypertens. 12: 1071-75, 1990
Medical Hypotheses 32:21-28, 1990; Eur, J. Clin. Pharmacol. 40(suppl.):49-51, 1991
Clinical Therapeutics 8(5):537-45, 1986
NEJM 1989; 320(16): 1037-43
Circulation 1987; 75(3): 525-32
Am J Hypertension 2000; 13: 547-551
Wednesday 19 January 2011
Naturally sourced blood pressure regulators -part one.
Natural treatments for hypertension can be as effective as prescription drugs, without the harmful side-effects. First, it's important to ensure that you get a reliable blood pressure reading done. Many measurements are artificially high because of the 'white coat effect' (anxiety about seeing your doctor). So try to relax before you have your blood pressure taken, and ask for it to be checked again in a day or two, if the reading is high. Better yet, let your blood pressure be taken over over an extended period, especially if it is a border line reading.
But whatever the case, start to take control of your own blood pressure by drinking plenty of water — at least two litres a day. Lose any excess weight — reducing weight by just 9lb has been found to bring blood pressure readings down to normal in some cases.
Cutting out sugar and reducing your intake of refined carbohydrates, like white bread and pasta, can help you lose weight and will also help to prevent insulin resistance and diabetes — two significant risk factors for hypertension.
Blood pressure regulation is reliant on many essential nutrients, like potassium, magnesium, calcium, essential fatty acids and vitamin C — so it is important you're not deficient in them.
Eat more oily fish, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids — particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) — which have been found to be as effective in lowering blood pressure as beta-blocker drugs. If you don’t like oily fish, take a 1,100mg fish oil capsule three times a day.
Eat your greens — and your blood pressure will drop
Because vegetarians have lower rates of hypertension than meat eaters, it used to be thought that meat consumption causes high blood pressure. But tests have shown that eating meat, eggs or fat has little effect. The difference comes from the amount of green vegetables and fruit eaten, because of their high content of potassium, magnesium, vitamin C and fibre — which can all lower blood pressure.
The right balance of sodium and potassium is vital for regulating blood pressure. So limit your salt intake and eat more potassium-rich foods, such as leafy green vegetables, bananas and sunflower seeds. In tests, restricting potassium intake for just nine days led to an average four-point increase in blood pressure.
Magnesium is also crucial, and is found in dark green vegetables, nuts and figs. A low magnesium intake correlated most closely with high blood pressure when the diets of 615 men were analysed. The vitamin C in fruit and vegetables is another powerful preventive - research shows that hypertension and strokes occur most frequently in people who eat the least vitamin C.
Complementary treatments have an extremely high success rate in the fight against hypertension
Despite the fact that hypertension can often be successfully controlled using a drug-free approach, a recent study found that only 5 per cent of patients with high blood pressure were aware of the usefulness of complementary treatments for the condition. The study also found that the majority of patients — up to 94 per cent — who did use complementary treatments experienced a significant drop in their blood pressure levels.
One of the most beneficial natural treatments for hypertension is garlic. It not only helps reduce blood pressure but also reduces the stickiness of the blood inside the arteries — thereby preventing the blood from clotting, which could otherwise cause a heart attack or stroke.
In a recent study conducted by a team of researchers from the Department of Biological Sciences, Kuwait University, garlic was found to work by influencing the concentration of nitric oxide — a substance that reduces blood pressure by widening the arteries — in the blood.
Better still, nitric oxide has an additional benefit for men as it also widens the arteries of the penis, thereby helping to reverse impotence. It's no coincidence that many men who suffer from high blood pressure also suffer from impotence, because they generally have narrow arteries.
So supplementing with garlic can help combat both conditions. Research suggests that aged garlic may offer greater protection than ordinary raw garlic. For the best results take 900mg of garlic powder a day (containing 1.3 per cent alliin — garlic's active ingredient).
I will continue tomorrow.....
To your abundant health,
Dr Ike
Functional Health Expert and Health Coach
But whatever the case, start to take control of your own blood pressure by drinking plenty of water — at least two litres a day. Lose any excess weight — reducing weight by just 9lb has been found to bring blood pressure readings down to normal in some cases.
Cutting out sugar and reducing your intake of refined carbohydrates, like white bread and pasta, can help you lose weight and will also help to prevent insulin resistance and diabetes — two significant risk factors for hypertension.
Blood pressure regulation is reliant on many essential nutrients, like potassium, magnesium, calcium, essential fatty acids and vitamin C — so it is important you're not deficient in them.
Eat more oily fish, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids — particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) — which have been found to be as effective in lowering blood pressure as beta-blocker drugs. If you don’t like oily fish, take a 1,100mg fish oil capsule three times a day.
Eat your greens — and your blood pressure will drop
Because vegetarians have lower rates of hypertension than meat eaters, it used to be thought that meat consumption causes high blood pressure. But tests have shown that eating meat, eggs or fat has little effect. The difference comes from the amount of green vegetables and fruit eaten, because of their high content of potassium, magnesium, vitamin C and fibre — which can all lower blood pressure.
The right balance of sodium and potassium is vital for regulating blood pressure. So limit your salt intake and eat more potassium-rich foods, such as leafy green vegetables, bananas and sunflower seeds. In tests, restricting potassium intake for just nine days led to an average four-point increase in blood pressure.
Magnesium is also crucial, and is found in dark green vegetables, nuts and figs. A low magnesium intake correlated most closely with high blood pressure when the diets of 615 men were analysed. The vitamin C in fruit and vegetables is another powerful preventive - research shows that hypertension and strokes occur most frequently in people who eat the least vitamin C.
Complementary treatments have an extremely high success rate in the fight against hypertension
Despite the fact that hypertension can often be successfully controlled using a drug-free approach, a recent study found that only 5 per cent of patients with high blood pressure were aware of the usefulness of complementary treatments for the condition. The study also found that the majority of patients — up to 94 per cent — who did use complementary treatments experienced a significant drop in their blood pressure levels.
One of the most beneficial natural treatments for hypertension is garlic. It not only helps reduce blood pressure but also reduces the stickiness of the blood inside the arteries — thereby preventing the blood from clotting, which could otherwise cause a heart attack or stroke.
In a recent study conducted by a team of researchers from the Department of Biological Sciences, Kuwait University, garlic was found to work by influencing the concentration of nitric oxide — a substance that reduces blood pressure by widening the arteries — in the blood.
Better still, nitric oxide has an additional benefit for men as it also widens the arteries of the penis, thereby helping to reverse impotence. It's no coincidence that many men who suffer from high blood pressure also suffer from impotence, because they generally have narrow arteries.
So supplementing with garlic can help combat both conditions. Research suggests that aged garlic may offer greater protection than ordinary raw garlic. For the best results take 900mg of garlic powder a day (containing 1.3 per cent alliin — garlic's active ingredient).
I will continue tomorrow.....
To your abundant health,
Dr Ike
Functional Health Expert and Health Coach
Friday 14 January 2011
Six cholesterol lowering supplements and nutrients
Do you have elevated cholesterol levels, especially the LDL component? Here are some supplements and nutrients that are of use in lowering cholesterol levels:
1.Dietary fibre locks up cholesterol in your bile salts, so that it is not reabsorbed, and eliminates it from your body. Raw salad leaves, broccoli and 'GG-Bran' crispbreads are suitable low-carbohydrate sources of fibre.
2. Lecithin emulsifies cholesterol and isolates it from the walls of your arteries so that it can't stick to them. Take two tablespoons of lecithin granules daily.
3. Essential fatty acids — omega-6 from borage oil and omega-3 from fish oils (or linseed oil if you prefer) — control cholesterol production, reduce your risk of blood clots, lower blood pressure and keep your arteries supple. Take 1,500 mg of each daily.
4. Niacin is one of the most effective cholesterol-lowering nutrients, outperforming many prescription medications. It also reduces blood fat levels and the risk of clot formation. Take 100 to 500 mg daily. Using the inositol hexanicotinate form will reduce the possibility of liver toxicity. Always take a high-dose vitamin-B complex supplement at the same time.
5. Chromium reduces blood fat and cholesterol levels, and blood pressure. It also stabilises blood sugar levels and helps correct insulin resistance. 200 to 400 mcg daily is usually enough, but you may need up to 1,000 mcg if you are diabetic.
6. Pantethine, a derivative of pantothenic acid, plays a pivotal role in cholesterol metabolism. In one study, 900 mg a day caused a 32 per cent drop in blood fats and a 21 per cent drop in LDL ('bad' cholestreol), while HDL ('good' cholesterol) levels rose by 23 per cent. Take 500 to 1,000 mg a day.
Try these today and regularly, you will not regret it - watch your health and energy levels shoot up and your LDL cholesterol levels go down.
To your abundant health,
Dr Ike
Functional Health Expert and Health Coach
1.Dietary fibre locks up cholesterol in your bile salts, so that it is not reabsorbed, and eliminates it from your body. Raw salad leaves, broccoli and 'GG-Bran' crispbreads are suitable low-carbohydrate sources of fibre.
2. Lecithin emulsifies cholesterol and isolates it from the walls of your arteries so that it can't stick to them. Take two tablespoons of lecithin granules daily.
3. Essential fatty acids — omega-6 from borage oil and omega-3 from fish oils (or linseed oil if you prefer) — control cholesterol production, reduce your risk of blood clots, lower blood pressure and keep your arteries supple. Take 1,500 mg of each daily.
4. Niacin is one of the most effective cholesterol-lowering nutrients, outperforming many prescription medications. It also reduces blood fat levels and the risk of clot formation. Take 100 to 500 mg daily. Using the inositol hexanicotinate form will reduce the possibility of liver toxicity. Always take a high-dose vitamin-B complex supplement at the same time.
5. Chromium reduces blood fat and cholesterol levels, and blood pressure. It also stabilises blood sugar levels and helps correct insulin resistance. 200 to 400 mcg daily is usually enough, but you may need up to 1,000 mcg if you are diabetic.
6. Pantethine, a derivative of pantothenic acid, plays a pivotal role in cholesterol metabolism. In one study, 900 mg a day caused a 32 per cent drop in blood fats and a 21 per cent drop in LDL ('bad' cholestreol), while HDL ('good' cholesterol) levels rose by 23 per cent. Take 500 to 1,000 mg a day.
Try these today and regularly, you will not regret it - watch your health and energy levels shoot up and your LDL cholesterol levels go down.
To your abundant health,
Dr Ike
Functional Health Expert and Health Coach
Thursday 13 January 2011
Safety alert: New cholesterol drug INCREASES blood pressure
The drug TORCETRAPIB has been found to increase blood pressure. This drug is used to increase HDL or beneficial cholesterol levels while decreasing LDL ie harmful cholesterol levels. This is a laudable goal, however the increase in blood pressure creates a dilemma for those using and prescribing this drug. To use or not to use? Further information is definitely needed. My advice? Educate yourself thoroughly on cholesterol and it's metabolism, and the intelligent nutritional decisions you can make to maintain optimal cholesterol levels in your bloodstream. I on my part will do my utmost to provide the information to make such decisions.
To your abundant health,
Dr Ike,
Functional Health Expert and Health Coach.
To your abundant health,
Dr Ike,
Functional Health Expert and Health Coach.
Friday 7 January 2011
Study Reveals that Low Cholesterol in Elderly DOUBLES Risk of Early Death
We hear a lot about raised levels of cholesterol in the blood. What about LOW blood levels, do any problems arise? That is exactly what a research group set out to do. 4520 men and women between the ages of 65-84 took part in the study. It was found that cholesterol levels less than 189 (usual range 200–239 mg/dL) was associated with DOUBLE the risk of death in elderly people without dementia. That means it was not dementia that led to the deaths in the study group. Thus low cholesterol level is a robust predictor of mortality in the nondemented elderly and may be associated with frailty or subclinical disease, according to the research team.
No doubt, further studies are needed, but this should temper any attempts to aggresively lower blood cholesterol levels using medication. Cholesterol is necessary for the metabolism and structure of EVERY CELL in the body, so aggresive lowering of blood levels will lead to unforseen perils - including death, like in this study. Please make sure that your physician or responsible health professional managing your treatment is aware of the references at the end of this blog entry. Please also educate yourself on the means by which your cholesterol is lowered. There are options - work with your health professional. Think about this - could high cholesterol levels be the evidence of damage, rather than the culprit? That puts a different complexion on things, surely? I will return to this theme again. Stay well!
To your abundant good health,
Dr Ike
Functional Health Expert and Health Coach.
References:
1.Brescianini S, Maggi S, Farchi G, Mariotti S, Di Carlo A, Baldereschi M, Inzitari D; ILSA Group. Low total cholesterol and increased risk of dying: are low levels clinical warning signs in the elderly? Results from the Italian Longitudinal Study on Aging. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2003 Jul;51(7):991
2.Schupf N, Costa R, Luchsinger J, Tang MX, Lee JH, Mayeux R. Relationship between plasma lipids and all-cause mortality in nondemented elderly. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2005 Feb;53(2):219-26.
No doubt, further studies are needed, but this should temper any attempts to aggresively lower blood cholesterol levels using medication. Cholesterol is necessary for the metabolism and structure of EVERY CELL in the body, so aggresive lowering of blood levels will lead to unforseen perils - including death, like in this study. Please make sure that your physician or responsible health professional managing your treatment is aware of the references at the end of this blog entry. Please also educate yourself on the means by which your cholesterol is lowered. There are options - work with your health professional. Think about this - could high cholesterol levels be the evidence of damage, rather than the culprit? That puts a different complexion on things, surely? I will return to this theme again. Stay well!
To your abundant good health,
Dr Ike
Functional Health Expert and Health Coach.
References:
1.Brescianini S, Maggi S, Farchi G, Mariotti S, Di Carlo A, Baldereschi M, Inzitari D; ILSA Group. Low total cholesterol and increased risk of dying: are low levels clinical warning signs in the elderly? Results from the Italian Longitudinal Study on Aging. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2003 Jul;51(7):991
2.Schupf N, Costa R, Luchsinger J, Tang MX, Lee JH, Mayeux R. Relationship between plasma lipids and all-cause mortality in nondemented elderly. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2005 Feb;53(2):219-26.
Wednesday 5 January 2011
Common chemical in plastic linked to breast cancer?
The chemical bisphenol A - BPA - is commonly found in plastic, and an unsettling study carried out at Boston's Tuft University School of Medicine has uncovered evidence possibly linking this compound with breast cancer development. Researchers claimed that BPA is absorbed in low concentrations by our bodies, and this may end up causing unforseen harm. The study was carried out on mice, and the female mice displayed abnormal growth in their breast tissue when exposed to BPA, also causing their breast tissue to respond unusually to the hormone oestrogen - one major mechanism seen in human breast cancer. This chemical is widely used in plastic cans, dental sealants and resins that line food tins. An estimated 2.5 million tons is produced annually worldwide. For me, the message here is to reduce our use of plastic to the bare minimum.
To your abundant good health,
Dr Ike
Functional Health Expert and Health Coach.
To your abundant good health,
Dr Ike
Functional Health Expert and Health Coach.
Tuesday 4 January 2011
Two Supplements Recalled for Banned Drug Inclusion
Hi to you all, and a health filled New Year. Today, I am discussing the recall of two so called "100 percent natural" weight loss products in the USA that contain the banned weight loss drug sibutramine. They are called Fruta Planta and Reduce Weight Fruta Planta, and the FDA has received several adverse event reports associated with them, including multiple cardiac events and one death. Sibutramine was withdrawn from the market in October last year due to increased risk of stroke, heart attack, high blood pressure and an increased pulse rate. Patients who already have heart disease are particularly at increased risk. Life threatening interactions with other drugs are also possible. FDA is recommending stopping use immediately and throwing away the remainder of the product in a sealed container, or returning any product to the retailer. Any side effects should be reported to a competent health professional immediately. Please check any products you may be taking for this dangerous substance. No doubt, recriminations will follow.
Source: MedPage Today.
To your abundant good health,
Dr Ike
Functional Health Expert and Health Coach.
Source: MedPage Today.
To your abundant good health,
Dr Ike
Functional Health Expert and Health Coach.
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