"Integrative Health Education " Newsletter

Dr. Hugo Rodier publishes a monthly newsletter on the latest integrative medicine news and information. Dr. Rodier researches of over 150 medical journals each month to provide his readers top scientific information for optimal health. The newsletter does not sell any products.

[1] J. of the American Medical Association 2002;288:3095

[2] “Alcohol Consumption, Weight Gain, and Risk of Becoming Overweight in Middle-aged and Older Women,”

J. Archives of Internal Medicine 2010170:453

[3] “Differential Epigenomics and Transcriptomics Responses in Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue Between Low and

High Responders to Caloric Restriction,” American J. Clinical Nutrition 2010;91:309

[4] J. of the American Medical Association 2004;292:852

[1] “Gut Microbes: From Bugs to Drugs,” American J. Gastroenterology 2010;105: 275

[2] J. Science 2009;325:161

[3] “A Human Gut Microbial Gene Catalogue Established by Metanogenomic Sequencing,” J. Nature 2010;464:59

[4] NPR radio, March 25^th 2010

[5] Book of the Month, “Looting America: how Wall street’s game of fantasy finance destroyed our jobs, pensions,

              and prosperity,” Les Leopold; Chelsea Green Publishing; 2009

[6] American J. Clinical Nutrition 2010;91: 280S 

[7] J. of the American Medical Association 2010;303:19

[8] J. Archives Internal Medicine 2010;170:453

[9] J. Archives of Internal Medicine 2009;169:2053

[10] American J. Clinical Nutrition 2010 91: 73

[11] J. Nutrition 2010 140: 446

[12] J. Metabolism; Clinical and Research 2010;59:20

[13] J. Metabolism; Clinical and Research 2010;59:70

[14] American J. Clinical Nutrition 2010;91: 90

[15] J. Diabetes Care 2010;33:49

[16] J. Diabetes Care 2010;33:78

[17] J. Nutrition 2010;140: 68

[18] “Health Effects of Hawthorne,” J. American Family Physician 2010;81:465

[19] J. Scientific American, March 2010

[20] “Metabolic Syndrome Over 10 Years and Cognitive Functioning in Late Midlife: The Whitehall II study,”

J. Diabetes Care 2010;33:84

[21] British Journal of Nutrition 2010;103:730

[22] “Self Administered Cognitive Screening Test for Detection of Alzheimer’s Disease,”

British Medical J. 2009;338:b2030

[23] J. Environmental Health Perspectives, March issue, 2010, volume 118

                            INTEGRATIVE HEALTH EDUCATION

             A monthly review of 100 medical journals

                                Volume 11 � Number 2 � February 2010                                         

                                                                 EDITOR’S NOTE 

“Until America has learned to love literature not as an amusement, not as a mere doggerel to memorize in college, but for its humanizing and ennobling energy, she will not  have succeeded in that high sense which alone makes a nation out of people; that which raises it from a dead name to a living power”.[1]

              The United States is engaged in the process of creating “a more perfect union”. We are not there yet, as suggested by the United States getting ranked 37^th in the world on health parameters, despite spending about double what leading nations spend per patient each year.[2] We must work on the economic and political issues that have created this sorry state of affairs; doctors should assume the leadership our citizens have entrusted the profession with. Regrettably, some:

“Physicians are falling further into blatant commercialization and politization of medicine [through] government policies and health care businesses pursued in the name of health care.”

“We want to jealously guard our responsibility of first serving each patient, and not allow ourselves to become the voices of commerce.”

“It is time to organize ourselves to speak about what we can do for patients, to let patients speak of what we do for them, to spell out the conditions that allow us to practice medicine, rather than become victims of commercialization in medicine. If we want to be technicians, we need only allow current conditions to go unchallenged. If we want to remain doctors, we will have to act decisively to address the best interest of each patient”.[3]

              We need to humanize health care,[4] and stop considering it a business. Literature can help us do that. Hugo Rodier, MD

About TIME

              Eleven years ago I was rebuffed by medical students in Spain when I tried to share with them the exciting breakthroughs in nutrition science in general, and nutrition and genetic function in particular. Understandably, years of conditioning did not let them consider the possibility that OUR GENES ARE NOT CAST IN STONE. I wonder what they may say now that TIME magazine has made these wonderful and hopeful concepts available to the general public. Its cover issue on January 18^th 2010 cleverly says it all: our genes are fluid.

The food we eat and the environment we live in, and even our emotions influence the way our genes are copied into functional messengers. In practical terms, this means that we can change genetic tendencies. If we stop eating processed food, clean up our environment and live simpler lives with less emotional drama and better relationships, we can doge genetic bullets that may hold us captive in fear.

So, if your mom has breast cancer, or your dad died of a heart attack, you have a great chance to change your genetic script and avoid those problems.

The concepts of NUTRIGENETICS, NUTRIGENOMICS and EPIGENETICS will continue to be resisted for a while. Even as more information comes out on these topics, Big Pharma will try to persuade you that the answer lays in developing new and expensive drugs to work on your genes, rather than the simpler and wiser concepts herein outlined. This is why I now present you with the raw evidence from leading journals (I am just a messenger):

Association of Marine Omega-3 Fatty Acid Levels With Telomeric Aging in Patients With Coronary Heart Disease, JAMA 2010; 303: 250 – 257

              Omega oils lengthen the tail of chromosomes, thereby increasing lifespan and decreasing the risk of cancer, heart attacks and chronic diseases.  We have already discussed the Nobel Prize in Medicine research on telomeres and longevity.

Multivitamins, Folate, and Green Vegetables Protect against Gene Promoter Methylation in the Aerodigestive Tract of Smokers, J. Cancer Research 2010;70: 568-574.

“Dietary regimens to prevent cancer might be monitored by gauging the methylation status of tumor suppressor genes detected in sputum, which includes exfoliated aerodigestive cells. Logistic regression models were used to identify associations between methylation status and 21 dietary variables hypothesized to affect the acquisition of gene methylation. Significant protection against methylation was observed for leafy green vegetables [odds ratio (OR) = 0.83 per 12 monthly servings; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 0.74–0.93] and folate (OR, 0.84 per 750 µg/d; 95% CI, 0.72–0.99). Protection against gene methylation was also seen with current use of multivitamins (OR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.40–0.83). This is the first cohort-based study to identify dietary factors associated with reduced promoter methylation in cells exfoliated from the airway epithelium of smokers. Novel interventions to prevent lung cancer should be developed based on the ability of diet and dietary supplements to affect reprogramming of the epigenome”.

OK, calm down. I only wish to give you a flavor of the exciting research that is being ignored by “mainstream” practices. That mouthful means that our genes need plenty of vitamin B to replicate well, especially in smokers who burn up a lot of antioxidants. Eat your veggies! Antioxidants in green tea also counteract the toxic effects of smoking.[5]

Obesity and Breast Cancer, J. Cancer Research 2010 70: 4-7.

“AMP kinase, a master regulator of cellular energy metabolism, may provide a key link between obesity-associated inflammation and increased breast cancer risk”.

              We have known that obesity, pre diabetes and diabetes increase our risk of cancer since Dr. Warburg won the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1931. He determined that “obesity and carbohydrate excess predisposes people to cancer…[This is why] caloric restriction has been shown to lower 60 % for cancers.” (“Cancer’s Sweet Tooth: the Janus effect of glucose metabolism in tumorigenesis.”)[6] Dr. Warburg went on to say that:

              “The prime cause of cancer is the replacement of the respiration of oxygen in normal body cells by a fermentation of sugar. All normal body cells meet their energy needs by respiration of oxygen, whereas cancer cells meet their energy needs in great part by fermentation. All normal body cells are thus obligate aerobes, whereas cancer cells are partial anaerobes… Oxygen is dethroned in the cancer cells and replaced by an energy-yielding reaction of the lowest living               forms, a fermentation of sugar.”[7]

              It’s shocking to contemplate that obesity causes 100K cancers each year.[8]

Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I Regulates the Liver Microenvironment in Obese Mice and Promotes Liver Metastasis, J. Cancer Research 2010 70: 57-67.

“To facilitate liver metastasis, IGF-1 must act beyond the tumor cell to support to obesity-associated inflammatory processes in the tumor microenvironment”.

Translation: IGF-1, which is much like growth hormone, is dysfunctional in obesity; this promotes tumor formation and metastasis.

The Nicotinamide Phosphoribosyltransferase: A Molecular Link between Metabolism, Inflammation, and Cancer, J. Cancer Research 2010;70: 8-11.

“NAMPT has properties of a positive biological modifier of NAD-dependent inflammation and cell growth that prompt interest in it as a pharmacological target for cancer treatment”.

              Translation: the energy and information found in whole food lowers the inflammation/oxidation caused by processed foods, toxins and stress; said inflammation leads to DNA mutations associated with cancer.

              If we are not mindful of these DNA-nutrition issues our risk of cancer will be higher. If we unfortunately develop cancer, we will be offered chemotherapy. But, “therapies that are less effective against cancer stem cells may quicken tumor evolution, increasing tumor heterogeneity and speeding the development of tumor progression and drug resistance”.[9] In other words, the surviving cancer cells may be more aggressive and more resistant to treatment, much like bacteria when antibiotics are overused or misused.

              Another problem with chemotherapy in particular and pharmaceuticals in general are the steep prices. They have increased 9.3% in 2009 but inflation at the same time was down 0.3%. “It is hard to escape the conclusion that the industry is positioning the pricing of its products for enactment of the new health reform legislation”.[10]

Hiroshima revisited

              We have been told that radiologic studies are fairly safe. True, but not when it comes to CT scans; they have been shown to impart the same risk of developing cancer that survivors of Hiroshima’s atomic bomb have shown.[11] A CT may expose you to the same radiation seen with 30 to 442 chest radiographs, depending on the settings at a given clinic.[12]

“We estimated that approximately 29, 000 future cancers could be related to CT scans performed in the US in 2007. The largest contributions were from scans of the abdomen, pelvis, chest, and head, as well as from chest CT angiography. One-third of the projected cancers were due to scans performed at the ages of 35 to 54 years compared with 15% due to scans performed at ages younger than 18 years, and 66% were in females”.[13]

              Processed foods lacking the good energy and information necessary to repair the DNA damage caused by radiation, (which is totally dependent on our genetic susceptibility-remember epigenetics?)[18] stress and toxins in the environment set the stage for cancer to develop. It doesn’t help that commercially prepared foods misrepresent the contents of their meals; fast food restaurants list calories 18% lower than real content.[14] They probably cheat on the nutritional content, too.

Coping with cancer risks

Radiation, processed foods lacking good energy and information, stress and toxins in the environment trigger DNA mutations that set the stage for cancer to develop. It doesn’t help that commercially prepared foods misrepresent the contents of their meals; fast food restaurants list calories 18% lower than real content.[15] They probably cheat on the nutritional content, too.

As we have already documented, we can prevent 2/3 of cancers just by eating better diets.[16] But, we also need to maximize the role of our gut in metabolizing the food we eat. After all, 60% of the immune system is found there, and that is where we detoxify. It sounds too simple, doesn’t? But, the Occam’s razor principle dictates that it be so. It boils down to avoiding toxins, maximizing the role of bacteria in the gut,[17] and nourishing relationships; this is how we may even negate the role of genetics in cancer.

I wish you better books, better diets and better relationships for 2010.

^{[1] From the book of the month, “The Dante Club” by Matthew Pearl.}

^{[2] “Ranking 37th: measuring the performance o the U.S. health care system”,}

^{New England J. of Medicine 2010;362:98}

^{[3] “Are We Losing Touch in Medicine?”Utah Medical Association bulletin, November 2005}

^{[4] “The Medical Humanities, for Lack of a Better Term,” New England J. of Medicine 2005;353:1009}

^{[5] Chung Shan Medical University, China. Salt Lake Tribune, January 15th 2010}

^{[6] J. Lancet 2006;367:618}

^{[7] Book “Murder by Infection,” by Mullins; page 351}

^{[8] American Institute for Cancer Research, November 6th 2009}

^{[9] “Cancer Stem Cell Tumor Model Reveals Invasive Morphology and Increased Phenotypical Heterogeneity”,}

^{J. Cancer Research 2010;70: 46-56.}

^{[10] “Price Hikes Probed”, JAMA 2010;303:125}

^{[11] J. Radiology 2004;232:735}

^{[12] “Cancer Risks and Radiation Exposure From Computed Tomographic Scans: How Can We Be Sure That}

^{the Benefits Outweigh the Risks?” J. Archives of Internal Medicine 2009;169:2049}             

^{[13] “Projected Cancer Risks From Computed Tomographic Scans Performed in the United States in 2007”,
              J. Archives of Internal Medicine 2009;169(22):2071}

^{[14] “The Accuracy of Stated Energy Contents of Reduced-Energy, Commercially Prepared Foods”,}

              ^{Journal of the American Dietetic Association 2010;110:116}

^{[15] “The Accuracy of Stated Energy Contents of Reduced-Energy, Commercially Prepared Foods”,}

              ^{Journal of the American Dietetic Association 2010;110:116}

^{[16] “Apoptosis by Dietary Factors,” J. Carcinogenesis 2007;28:233}

^{[17] J. Gut 2010;59:88}

^{[18] J. of the American College of Radiology February 2010}

                    INTEGRATIVE HEALTH EDUCATION

             A monthly review of 100 medical journals

                                       Volume 11 � Number 1 � January 2010                              

                                                         EDITOR’S NOTE 

 “The current compendia [of chemotherapy] lack transparency, cite little current evidence, lack systematic methods to review and update evidence, and are replete with conflict-of-interest issues… The findings would seem to matter. Up to 75% of all uses of cancer therapies are off label, according to a 2005 estimate by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network”; J. Nat’l Cancer Institute.[1]

            Could it be that a significant amount of chemotherapy prescribing, particularly in the last weeks/months of a dying patient, is not based on solid evidence? Could it be that money may be a motivating factor?

            Corruption in our country’s money sector has most people I talk to quite upset. Perhaps we are close to “The End of Money and the Future of Civilization”. This is the book by Tom Greco, Jr. I have picked as “book of the month”.[2] It is by far the best book I have read to understand MONEY.

John Adams said that our main problem is not failing to understand the Constitution, but failing to understand money. What is happening to our country is a consequence of allowing usury and greed to manufacture and control our money supply. This trick is pretty old; it is the way aristocracies, plutocracies or the “elite” keep us “peons” from joining the party. Hugo Rodier, MD

Environmental update

            As Chairman of the Utah Medical Associations’ Environmental/Public Health Committee I am regularly scanning the literature for studies that show what now seems obvious to almost everyone: a toxic environment affects our health. Recently, the EPA made it official; this opens the door for the Federal government to implement regulations to curve pollution, thereby making Congress unnecessary in this respect.[3] In my opinion, it would be better if legislation by Congress directed the EPA; then, the voice of the people would count for something. But, can we afford to wait for Congress to act on our polluted foods, water and air? Don’t hold your breath, although we may have to with our air quality being what it is.

BPA (chemical in plastic) exposure before birth may be associated with behavioral problems in 2 year-olds, especially girls

            J. Environmental Health Perspectives 2009; 117:1945

Asthma worse with phthalates (another chemical in plastic) in vinyl

J. EHP 2008;116:845

Genetic tendency to asthma worsened by a lack of antioxidants and pollution

            J. EHP 2009; 117:1919

Higher risk of ALS (Lou Gherig’s disease) with paint strippers; cutting, cooling, or lubricating oils ; antifreeze or coolants ; mineral or white spirits; dry cleaning agents, aliphatic chlorinated hydrocarbons, glycols, glycol ethers, and hexane.

            J. EHP 2009;117:1387

“Lower Serum Testosterone Associated with Elevated Polychlorinated Biphenyl Concentrations in Native American Men”,

J. EHP 2009;117:1454

“Pesticide Exposure and Hypertensive Disorders during Pregnancy”,

J. EHP 2009;117:1393

“Drinking-Water Herbicide [atrazine] Exposure in Indiana and Prevalence of Small-for-Gestational-Age and Preterm Delivery “,
            J. EHP 2009:117;1619

“The Precautionary Principle in the Context of Mobile Phone and Base Station Radiofrequency Exposures”; use speaker phone as much as possible
            J. EHP 2009;117:1329

“Association of Tobacco and Lead Exposures With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder”,
            J. Pediatrics 2009; 124: e1054

Confused about iodine?

            Have you been told that you need iodine by someone, only to have someone else tell you that it is not good for the thyroid? We finally have a good study that explains why there are conflicting reports. It turns out that the relationship between iodine and the risk for the occurrence of diffuse goiter shows a U-shaped curve. Nodular goiters are more prevalent in iodine-deficient areas.[4] This means that you need iodine for your thyroid IF you live in areas where the diet doesn’t have adequate amounts;[5] inland and mountainous regions are the main examples, since seafood is the main source of iodine.

            Also, atomic fallout from testing in the 40s was not contained in Nevada and Utah; it went all over the United States. Atomic radiation and excessive X-rays have been shown to compromise thyroid function; this is made worse by the 500+ chemicals known to be toxic for thyroid function.[6]

            Kelp iodine salt and iodaral are good choices for supplementing iodine. Your doctor may order a urine test to make sure you are deficient.

Grapes update

            The Journal of Nutrition published a series of articles on the benefit of grapes. The main antioxidant in grapes, resveratrol, is scheduled to become a pharmaceutical product this year. It has been shown to have multiple and diverse benefits, ranging from cancer prevention, anti-inflammatory, insulin sensitizer, lower blood pressure, weight loss, etc. The common denominator is that grapes improve our metabolism.[7] Here are the main articles in the report:

“Unraveling the Relationship between Grapes and Health”,

J. Nutr. 2009 139: 1783S

“Grapes and Cardiovascular Disease”,

J. Nutr. 2009 139: 1788S

“Type 2 Diabetes and Glycemic Response to Grapes or Grape Products”,

J. Nutr. 2009 139: 1794S

“Grape Consumption Supports Immunity in Animals and Humans”,
            J. Nutr. 2009 139: 1801S 

“Anticancer and Cancer Chemopreventive Potential of Grape Seed Extract and Other Grape-Based Products”,
            J. Nutr. 2009 139: 1806S    

“Grape Products and Oral Health”,  
            J. Nutr. 2009 139: 1818S

Food for thought

            The evidence continues to mount that poor diets make us more depressed[8] and fail to optimize brain function.[9] Yet, we are bombarded by TV ads with smiling, happy people whose depression is cured by just popping a pill. These ads are disingenuous and potentially harmful. “[They] can generate exaggerated beliefs about drug efficacy and encourage the medicalization of ordinary experiences”.[10] But, if you are reading this newsletter you already know that. While prescription drugs help 45% of those who take it, a significant number of those patients could avoid drugs with good nutrition, cleaner environments and smaller egos in our relationships.

            One could supplement antioxidants; “Green tea consumption is associated with lower psychological distress”.[11] We have already talked about tryptophan, omega oils, vitamin D, DHEA, B vitamins, folic acid MTHFR, SAMe and St John’s wort.

Also, cultivate “food for the soul”. There is nothing better than companionship. Loneliness is even contagious. It may lead to depression, sleep problems and other chronic conditions.[12] Exercise also helps depression, as much as antidepressants do.[13] It is also relaxing and calming, due to its effect on reducing oxidative stress and generating new neurons.[14]

Gut and nutrition update

“Inflammatory bowel disease (Chron’s, Ulcerative colitis) results from an inappropriate inflammatory response to intestinal microbes in a genetically susceptible host. Genetic studies highlight the importance of host–microbe interactions in the pathogenesis of these diseases”. New England J. of Medicine[15]

Now that the New England J. of Medicine is writing about it, you can expect your neighborhood doctor to start paying more attention to your diet and its effect on the micro-organisms in the intestines. Read other recent studies on this concept:

 “Gut microbiota fermentation of prebiotics [fiber] increases satietogenic and incretin gut peptide production with consequences for appetite sensation and glucose response after a meal”; this means that probiotics ferment fiber; this helps you feel full after eating.
            Am J Clin Nutr 2009 90: 1236

“Prescribing an Antibiotic? Do Not Forget the Probiotic”,

            J. Gastroenterology 2009;137:1846

“Products of the Colonic Microbiota Mediate Effects of Diet on Colon Cancer Risk”,
            J. Nutrition. 2009 139: 2044

“Potential Roles and Clinical Utility of Prebiotics in Newborns, Infants, and Children”,

J. Pediatrics 2009;155:603

“Linoleic acid (n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid), and the etiology of ulcerative colitis”,

            J. Gut 2009; 58: 1606

“High-Fat Diet Determines the Composition of the Murine Gut Microbiome Independently of Obesity”. Bad diets mess with your intestinal organisms, even if you are not obese.

J. Gastroenterology 2009;137:1716

 “Serotonin Has a Critical Role in the Pathogenesis of Experimental Colitis”.

I included this study to remind you that 95% of serotonin is found in the intestines; as you heal the gut your cognitive and emotional issues will improve.

            J. Gastroenterology 2009;137:1562

“Soy Wrong”

            That means “I am wrong” in Spanish, kind of.

            It also means that soy-haters need to acknowledge they have been wrong.

            The data continue to pile up that soy is beneficial. The last articles I have read  again support its use to lower cholesterol,[16] and even recommend it for women WITH breast cancer.[17] Read my blog on “the religion of soy-haters”. Despite all the evidence, soy-haters will not accept that soy is an “adaptogen”; it provides what the body needs at the time, that is, more or less natural estrogen activity.[18]

                    INTEGRATIVE HEALTH EDUCATION

             A monthly review of 100 medical journals

                                       Volume 10 � Number 12 � December 2009                        

                                                         EDITOR’S NOTE 

When I was a child I taught myself to write with both hands and kick the soccer ball with both feet (not at the same time; I would fall on my butt). I did that because I have had an inborn passion for the integration of all knowledge, or Consilience.[1] Like most of you, I had to learn my way around computers and the internet after completing my formal training. Even though I have enjoyed the benefits these technologies afford us, I have kept a jaundiced eye on them.

In the past few months I have seen many articles and several books written by people who share my apprehension. But, none has been as eloquent as the person who illustrated the problem with a story, Ulysses and the tempting sirens; their alluring songs were so powerful that Ulysses had himself tied to the mast of the ship after he plugged his ears with wax. The sirens sang about giving him unending knowledge. Sounds good, doesn’t it? Exactly the same promise the internet makes. Yet, those who succumbed to the temptation died ravaged by madness.

Too much information, too little wisdom; lots of surfing, very little diving.

Not enough Integration: “The perpetual pursuit of little thoughts; the net result may be only to prevent us from finding the big ones.”[2]

Hugo Rodier, MD

Integrating the gut, its microbes and how we process food therein (metabolism)

            This is where the “flubber” meets the road. Even though I have reported on this concept several times, I feel compelled to update you, since the medial literature is exploding with studies on this crucial issue. The epidemic of Diabesity will not slow down until we face our addiction to sugar and restore the gut to its central place in health. After all, this concept won the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1908. For the sake of simplicity, I will give you the article with the reference, and a small commentary where the title is not crystal clear.

Obesity causes 100K cancers each year; Am Instit for Cancer Research, Nov 6^th 2009

Why? 1931 Nobel Prize: high sugar diets suppress the immune system, which is mostly in the gut.

Junk food is like heroine for rats; J. Proceedings Nat Acad of Science Nov 2009, Epub

Refined sugars attach to the same receptors as narcotics, valium, endorphins and alcohol. This only partially explains the addiction to sugar we all suffer with. Here is the rest of the explanation…

“The Microbiome and Obesity: is obesity linked to our gut flora?”

            J. Current Gastroenterology Reports 2009;11:307

Yes; we may be colonized by intestinal organisms that mess up our metabolism (“calories in, calories out” ignores this fact), and send bad messages to the brain thermostat that perpetuate the addiction to junk food. And how did those bad guys get into the gut? We encouraged their growth with the poor diets we have been eating, excessive antibiotics, acid-blocking drugs, chlorinated water, etc., etc.

“Individual Human Phenotypes in Metabolic Space and Time,”

            J. Proteome Research 2009;8:4264

Our Metagenome is influenced by gut flora’s. This means that our genes are strongly influenced by our gut flora’s genes. Since our gut organisms outnumber our body cells 100:1, it is fair to say they may be controlling what we “want” to eat. Really, they crave sugar and they will make a puppet out of you so that they get their “fix”.

Altered gut flora in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Chron’s, Ulcerative Colitis) leads to DNA damage, which increases our risk of cancer

            J. Cancer Research 2009;69:4827

“Targeting the Human Microbiome with Antibiotics, Probiotics and Prebiotics: gastroenterology enters the metagenomics era,”

            J. Gastroenterology 2009;136:2015

Correcting imbalances of microbiota aggressively modulates gene funcion in our body, thereby improving practically all health problems.

“Vitamin D: the alternative hypothesis”, J. Autoimmune Review 2009;8;639

Vitamin D is really a hormone that acts much like the thyroid. In fact, they share nuclear receptors. This hormone has a very strong influence on the microflota of the gut, thereby exerting significant influence on our immune system. This is why it tempers inflammatory reactions caused by flora in the gut.

“Autoimmune Disease in the Era of the Metagenome”,

J. Autoimmune Review 2009;8:677

The more we learn about our genes, the more we are directed to the gut

“Vitamin D Metabolites as Clinical Markers in Autoimmune Diseases,”

            J. Annals of NY Academy of Medicine 2009;1173:384

            No wonder MS, an autoimmune disease, is often seen with a lack of vitamin D

“Dysregulation of the Vitamin D Nuclear Receptor May Contribute to the Higher Prevalence of Some Autoimmune Diseases in Women”,

            J. Annals of NY Academy of Medicine 2009;1173:252

“Epidemic Influenza and Vitamin D”, J. Epidemiology Infections 2006;134:1129

            As I reported before, take vitamin D to lower your risk of H1N1 flu.

Higher dose of Vitamin D reduces nonvertebral fractures risk by 20%

            J. Archives of Internal Medicine 2009;169:551

            Why? Less inflammation in the gut and better absorption of minerals therein

Probiotics help gluten allergies

            J. Clinical Experimental Immnunology 2008;12:552

            Friendly bacteria improve immune system

“Human Gut Bacterial Communities Are Altered by Addition of Cruciferous Vegetables to a Controlled Fruit- and Vegetable-Free Diet”, J. Nutrition. 2009 139: 1685

            Food is the best medicine; heal the gut, heal practically everything.

“Immunomodulation by Food: Promising concept for mitigating allergic disease?”

            J. Annal Bioannal Chem 2009, May 20 E pub

Prebiotics/fiber help gluten allergies by feeding friendly bacteria. Remember that 2/3 of the immune system is in the gut

Increasing fiber reduces weight

            J. Nutrition 2009;139:576

Synbiotics= probiotics + prebiotics are more effective for Ulcerative Colitis

            J. Nutrition 2009;25:520

 “Effects of a Gluten Free Diet on Microbiota and Immune Function,”

            British J. Nutrition May 18^th 2009 Epub

Conversely, eliminating gluten when one is allergic improves gut flora, which then improves immune system.

Probiotics after Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass improve outcome. Better weight loss and higher B12 levels

            J. Gastrointestinal Surgery 2009;13:1198

            Make sure to take frindly bacteria if you are having stomach stapling surgery

“Lactobacillus Acidophilus Modulates Intestinal Pain and Induces Opioids and Cannabinoid Receptors”,

            J. Nature Medicine 2007;13:35

See above about receptors for narcotics. Also, remember that 90% of neurotransmittors are in the gut, not the brain.

Improved blood glucose levels in pregnancy with probiotics

            J. Nutrition 2008; Nov 19

Probiotics restore bowel flora and improve liver enzymes in alcoholics with liver injury

            J. Alcohol 2008;42:675

“Changes in Gut Microbiota Control Inflammation in Obese Mice Through a Mechanism Involving GLP-2 Driven Improvement of Gut Permeability,”

            J. Gut 2009;58:1091

Bad diets-bad microflora-more inflammation-more leaky gut-more absorption problems-more disease

“Quercetin Enhances Intestinal Barrier Function », J. Nutrition 2009 ;139 :965

Despite MANY reports on leaky gut, this problem continues to be ignored with devastating consequences. Quercetin lowers inflammation of cells lining the gut, which patches up the leakiness.

Probiotics in real yogurt lower cholesterol

            J. Annals Nutrition and Metabolism 2009;54:22

“Real” does not mean Activia. Make your own yogurt with your own culture of probiotics; use almond/rice/soy milk instead of dairy. Avoid preservatives and added sugar. In order for Activia to give you an adequate amount of probiotics you would need to eat 1,000 servings a day.

Whence Kidney stones?

            I will never forget the abusive young man who dismissed me with disdain and hatred in his face when I told him that his SAD diet was causing his kidney stones. Quoting a Urologist, he spat the words out: “diet has nothing to do with kidney stones”. I wonder how he is doing today; has he read the report that a good diet like the DASH diet reduces the incidence of stones by 45%?[3] By now he has kids, I hope. But, if they are eating like he was, and they are also becoming obese like he was, are they getting kidney stones like daddy? It turns out that the epidemic of diabesity in our children is affecting how their kidneys filtrate toxins at an early age. Kids with kidney stones?[4] Amazing.

More Food for Thought        

            I have reported on the brain-gut connection many times. Here is another update:

High CRP markers for inflammation in Alzheimer’s Disease, AD

AD expected to skyrocket; double every 20 years in the world

            AD International, Sep 21^st 2009

            J. Neurology News Oct 2009, p1

Reduced risk of mild Cognitive Impairment with Mediterranean diet

            J. Archives of Neurology 2009;65:216

Hypoglycemia increases the risk of dementia

            JAMA 2009;301:1565

Coffee, tea 3-5 cups/day lower risk of late life dementia

J. Alzheimer’s Disease 2009;16:85

40% lower risk of dementia with moderate alcohol

            2009 International Conference on AD, Vienna

Moderate alcohol reduces insulin resistance; Hyperinsulinemia seen in AD

            J. Metabolism Clinical and Experimental 2009;58:387

Many patients with insomnia have reduced GABA levels; take supplements OTC

            J. Sleep 2008;31:499 & J. Neurology News Oct 2009, page 21

69% of children eating candy daily wind up in jail; only 42% of control group by age 34

            British J. Psychaitry 2009;195:366

“Hyperbaric Treatment for Children With Autism”; it reduces oxidative stress; more oxidation with less antioxidants.

            J. BMC Pediatrics 2009;9(21)

Telegraphed articles

4 hr flight: 3X higher risk of clots; take omega oils and pycnogenol before you fly

            J. Family Practice News, September 2009, page 17

“Dietary Seaweed Modifies Estrogen and Phytoestrogen Metabolism in Healthy Postmenopausal Women,”

            J. Nutrition 2009;139:933

“New Pain Guidelines for Older Patients; avoid NSAIDs, consider opioids”

            JAMA 2009;302:19

Tea tree oil is effective against MRSA

Queen’s University; Belfast, Northern Ireland; Reuters Jan 2nd 2009

 “Arthroscopic Surgery for Knee Osteoarthritis? Just say no.”

            J. Family Practice March 2009

Vitamin K supplementation decreases coronary artery calcium in older men and women  

                AJCN 2009;89:1799

               INTEGRATIVE HEALTH EDUCATION

             A monthly review of 100 medical journals

                                       Volume 10 � Number 11 � November 2009                        

                                                         EDITOR’S NOTE 

            The 2009 Nobel Prize in Medicine was awarded to 3 American researchers working on the Telomere, the tail end of chromosomes; it controls gene copying. Their findings are likely to lead to new pharmaceutical products to lengthen the telomere, which could treat problems like prostate cancer. While this is a great accomplishment, I am disappointed, yet, not surprised, that the findings are automatically directed to the creation of a symptomatic treatment. The present paradigm driving our health care industry (yes, money) seems unable or unwilling to see past their narrow self-interests.

            We could focus on a more proactive angle; the articles “Multivitamin Use and Telomere Length in Women”[1] and “Leukocyte Telomere Length: the telomere tale continues”[2] tell us that the longer the telomere the longer we live; antioxidants keep the telomere from getting oxidized, or shortened. This means that a diet high in antioxidants and cleaner environments that don’t require as many antioxidants to detoxify, increase longevity by preserving the length of the telomere. In other words, our environment affects genetic expression.[3]

            The same may be said about emotional-spiritual stress, which also burns up antioxidants. The article “A Complex Relationship: psychosocial stress, pollution, and health”[4] tells us that psychosocial stress may exacerbate our susceptibility to adverse effects of pollutants such as lead, polychlorinated biphenyls, and combustion emissions.

            If we could educate people about these simple concepts they may assume more responsibility for their health;[5] we would then see longer lives and less atherosclerotic diseases. Dr. Ornish would agree; in the article “Increased Telomere Activity and Comprehensive Lifestyle Changes”[6] he showed that a longer telomere is associated with less prostate cancer. In another study, “Clinical Events in Prostate Cancer Lifestyle Trial: results from 2 years follow up,” Ornish proved that lifestyle changes for 2 years may be able to avoid or delay conventional prostate cancer treatment.[7] After all, conservative treatment of prostate cancer has better survival.[8]

            Will we pay attention to these articles as we continue to argue about financing our broken health care system? (See related blog, “Why We Hurt.”) Will we start looking at our health as a holistic concept that involves our entire communities?[9]                        Hugo Rodier, MD

Heart to Heart on Sugar

            “The American Heart Association is finally taking aim at our nation's sweet tooth, urging consumers to significantly cut back on the amount of sugar they get from such foods as soft drinks, cookies and ice cream. The AHA says most women should limit their sugar intake to 100 calories, or about six teaspoons, a day; for men, the recommendation is 150 calories, or nine teaspoons. The recommendations are likely to prove challenging for many consumers to meet. Just one 12-ounce can of cola has about 130 calories, or eight teaspoons of sugar. Data gathered during a national nutrition survey between 2001 and 2004 suggest that Americans consume on average 355 calories, or more than 22 teaspoons, of sugar a day.”[10]

            And why would it be hard to comply with the AHA’s suggestions? Our national addiction to refined sugars, which is made worse by stress, the Farm Bill, Big Food’s processing of food for profits and social contagion.[11]

“Therapeutic Uses of Magnesium”[12]

• 75% of Americans don’t get RDA. Poor nutrition, alcohol in excess and diuretics contribute to low levels and need for supplementation.

• Magnesium is needed for 300+ metabolic reactions in the body: protein synthesis, cellular energy production and storage, cell growth and reproduction, DNA/RNA synthesis,  stabilization of mitochondrial membranes, bone metabolism, nerve transmission, cardiac excitability, neuromuscular conduction, vasomotor tone, blood pressure and insulin metabolism

• Early signs of low magnesium: loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weakness; then, numbness, tingling, muscle contractions, crams, seizures, personality changes, abnormal heart beats and coronary spasms.

• Diseases that contribute to low magnesium: diabetes, gut inflammation and malabsorption.

• Magnesium deficiency diagnosed by checking inside cells. Low CoQ10 levels may inhibit cell uptake of magnesium.

• Useful supplementation: eclampsia/preeclampsia, heart arrhythmias, asthma, indigestion, constipation, headaches, bone density, insulin resistance and dysmenorrhea.

• Contraindications: renal problems. Cautious use with prescription drugs (calcitonin, diuretics, calcium channel blockers, antibiotics and muscle relaxants) since magnesium may alter their blood levels.

• Dose: adults 350 mg; children 65 mg 1-3 yrs old, 110 mg < 8 yrs old.

“Zinc, an Essential Micronutrient”[13]
            This is another mineral found lacking in many people when they don’t eat enough veggies. There is good evidence that Zinc helps in the treatment of acute and chronic diarrhea, Wilson’s disease (liver problems due to copper,) and macular degeneration. The evidence that Zinc helps taste problems and colds is not as good. The

best dose is 20 mg and it should be coupled with 2-5 mg of Copper. Avoid Zinc in pregnant and lactating women and in patients taking penicillamine.

Update on the brain-gut connection 

            “Although many people are aware of the communication that occurs between the             gastrointestinal (GI) tract and the central nervous system, fewer know about the     ability of the central nervous system to influence the microbiota or of the    microbiota's influence on the brain and behavior. Within the GI tract, the             microbiota have a mutually beneficial relationship with their host that maintains   normal mucosal immune function, epithelial barrier integrity, motility, and     nutrient absorption. Disruption of this relationship alters GI function and disease   susceptibility.”

            “Animal studies suggest that perturbations of behavior, such as stress, can             change the composition of the microbiota; these changes are associated with   increased vulnerability to inflammatory stimuli in the GI tract. [See blog “Why We Hurt”] The mechanisms that underlie these alterations are likely to involve       stress-induced changes in GI physiology that alter the habitat of enteric bacteria.            Furthermore, experimental perturbation of the microbiota can alter behavior,    and the behavior of germ-free mice differs from that of colonized mice. Gaining a       better   understanding of the relationship between behavior and the microbiota             could   provide insight into the pathogenesis of functional and inflammatory          bowel   disorders.”                                          

            I quoted from the article “The Relationship Between Intestinal Microbiota and the Central nervous System in Normal Gastrointestinal Function and Disease”[14] so that readers may get a feeling for the strength of the scientific data on the brain-gut connection. This newsletter and many scientists have been highlighting this concept for sometime. Dr. Gershon pioneered this concept over 45 years.

            I can attest to the dramatic improvement my patients see in their cognitive and mood issues when they eat better and improve the quality of their intestinal environment. After all, our microbiota, which outnumber our 50 trillion body cells carry more genes than we do. Linus Pauling would like this article. He coined the term “Orthomolecular Psychiatry,” meaning that a significant number of psychological disorders may be treated with good nutrition.[15] Food for thought….

“Rethinking Screening for Breast Cancer and Prostate Cancer”[16]

                This is a game-changing article. Don’t shoot the messenger:

            “After 20 years of screening for breast and prostate cancer, several observations   can be made. First, the incidence of these cancers increased after the         introduction   of screening but has never returned to prescreening levels. Second,   the increase in the relative fraction of early stage cancers has increased.    Third, the incidence of regional cancers has not decreased at a commensurate rate. One      possible explanation is that screening may be increasing the burden of low-risk   cancers without significantly reducing the burden of more aggressively growing cancers and therefore not resulting in the anticipated reduction in cancer              mortality. To        reduce morbidity and mortality from prostate cancer and breast      cancer, new approaches for screening, early detection, and prevention for both        diseases should be considered.”

            Translation: screening may be discovering cancers that would have been OK to leave alone. This article vindicates doctors who maintain that the most reasonable approach to cancer is to boost one’s immune system. The rub is when to be more aggressive with screening and treatment: welcome to the world of uncertainty. No doctor will ever be able to give you 100% assurance on anything. The best we can do is to clearly outline your choices so that you decide and assume responsibility for that decision. Of course, some people may call such a discussion a “death panel…”

Telegraphed articles

“Half of Texas Physicians Don't Recommend HPV Vaccine,”
            J. Skin Allergy News 2009;40:23

“The Alzheimer’s Disease-Diabetes Angle: inevitable fate of aging or metabolic imbalance limiting successful aging.” Translation: high-sugar diets increase the risk of dementia

                J. Alzheimer’s Disease 2009;16:67

“Anti-RAGE and Immunoglobulin Levels Are Related to Dementia Level and Cognitive Performance” supports the above article

            J. Gerontology Biology Science Med Sci 2009;64:264

“Association Between 25-Hydroxy-Vitamin D Levels and Cognitive Performance in Middle Aged and Older European Men.” Get your levels above 80 for best function.

            J. Neurology Neurosurgery Psychiatry 2009;80:722

 “Lipid Peroxidation and Atherosclerosis.” The problem is oxidized cholesterol

            J. Lipids Research 2009;50:599

“Efficacy of Coenzyme Q10 on Semen Parameters, Sperm Function and Reproductive Hormones in Infertile Men,”

            J. Urology 2009;182:237

 “Acupuncture for Pain,”

            J. American Family Physician 2009;80:481      

“Sexual Abuse and Lifetime Diagnosis of Somatic Disorders,” like fibromyalgia, chronic pain and gut problems

            JAMA 2009;302:550

“Stimulant (ie Adderall) Linked to Sudden Death in Children Without Heart Problems,”

            JAMA 2009;302:613

                    INTEGRATIVE HEALTH EDUCATION

             A monthly review of 100 medical journals

                                       Volume 10 � Number 10 � October 2009                           

                                                         EDITOR’S NOTE 

Even though Dr. Otto Warburg won the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1931 for demonstrating that high levels of sugar in the blood increases the incidence of cancer, we continue to ignore the obvious: our diets have a significant impact on our health, specifically on our immune system. Will we ever get it? Not likely, unless we face our sugar addiction and change our politics/economics that perpetuate the influence of Big Food, which cares nothing about our health but their profits.

Will more research convince our society and Big Food that we need to change? Not likely, given the above factors perpetuating the problem. This may be why the recent study at the University of Utah that essentially corroborated Warburg’s research also concluded that the high levels of sugar in people’s blood are not related to diet.[1]

I know… it’s hard to believe.

Another recent study showed that the glycosylation of gluten plays a role in its allergenicity in afflicted people.[2] This means that gluten allergies may not occur if we modify our diets by cutting down on the bad sugars that stick to proteins like gluten. It is the process of glycosylation of the gluten that makes it allergenic, or immunologically problematic.

And, will we heed the study that just showed that obesity in women will soon become the #1 cause of cancer in women? M these researchers concluded that “we need to find the biological mechanism to help people find other ways of tackling obesity. Just telling the population to lose weight obviously has not worked.”[3]

Obviously. They don’t know the mechanism because they have not read Warburg’s research. It is the hyperinsulinemia that compromises our immune/detoxification pathways, mostly in the liver and gut.

But, such is human nature: we don’t like reading about the work of our ancestors (think of history repeating itself.) We worship youth and denigrate gray hair. Our economic situation is but another reflection of this folly.

We will not solve the diabesity epidemic until we face our addiction to sugar and our corrupt economic system that cares nothing about social responsibility.

Hugo Rodier, MD

The 80% solution

As we continue to argue how to finance our broken health care system I am struck by how little is being said about the best and cheapest way to do it: prevention and helping people change their toxic lifestyles (see October blog). As previously documented,[4] 80% of chronic health problems would disappear if we focused on nutrition, exercise, and a few other simple things. The article “Lifestyle and Cardiovascular Health; individual and societal choices”[5] noted that if 4 out of 6 factors (BMI <25, vigorous exercise, DASH diet, modest alcohol intake, non narcotic analgesics use < once per week and intake of 0.4 mg folic acid), then 78% of hypertension in women could be prevented. The lower BMI factor accounted for half of the effect. The lifetime risk of heart failure could be cut in half, from 205 to 10%, a fact corroborated by another study on the DASH diet.[6]

            The JAMA concluded that this is a “compelling reminder that health is the shared responsibility of individuals and communities.”

            More articles recently published on the 80% solution:

* “Close adherence to a Mediterranean diet improves endothelial function in subjects with abdominal obesity,” American J. Clinical Nutrition 2009;90:263

* “Enhancement of a Modified Mediterranean-Style, Low Glycemic Diet with Specific Phytochemicals Improves Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Subjects with Metabolic Syndrome and Hypercholesterolemia in Randomized trial,” J. Nut Met 2008;5:29

* The Mediterranean diet for 5 years = better cognition, JAMA 2009;302:627

* Trans-fats low diet reduces risk of Macular Degeneration,

            J. Archives Ophthalmology 2009;127:674

* DASH diet also good for Alzheimer’s Disease, USU study, SLT July 16^th 2009

Is your mercury rising?

            No fish in the USA is free of mercury. And my hometown, Salt Lake City is the most polluted with mercury in the USA,[7] thanks to the copper mine in our backyard. Coal and gold mining in Utah and Nevada contribute to the problem.

            So, should you give up eating fish? No, but you may avoid the streams and rivers where the problem is worse and limit fish consumption to twice a week. But, never eat tuna steaks, mackerel, swordfish, or shark.[8] Sadly, salmon is now recommended to be eaten only once a month, because its generous fat stores more mercury.

            You would do well to maintain very good gut/liver function with a good diet; do an intestinal/liver cleanse every year with probiotics, friendly bacteria and fiber. EDTA and DMSA once a year are not a bad idea. They are safe, over the counter chelating agents.[9] EDTA has been shown to decrease oxidative stress on our DNA and lipids.[10] Cilantro,[11] chlorella,[12] chitosan,[13] MSM,[14] vitamin E[15] and garlic[16] are also helpful in reducing serum mercury levels.

Adrenals and depression

                                          Stress is a mayor factor in depression    . Reducing stress or leaning to handle it better are obviously helpful. But, the concept that stress causes depression by its direct effect on the adrenal glands needs more daylight.[17] This is particularly true when it comes to the malfunction of the HPA axis noticed in children who have suffered sexual, emotional and/or physical abuse.[18]

            Raising awareness about this ugly issue is a must. Therapy is available, but often not applied, since it seems more convenient in many cases to deny that such a problem exists. Psychotherapy and even medications may be necessary. Even some supplementation to strengthen the function of the adrenal glands may help. DHEA[19] and Panax ginseng[20] have been found to be helpful in the treatment of depression.

            Untreated adrenal dysfunction is quite common in the setting of multiple chronic health problems, especially chronic fatigue.[21]

“N-Acetylcysteine: multiple clinical applications”

            This is one of the supplements I take on a daily basis. It is a vital amino acid in the production of glutathione, the master antioxidant that does practically everything in our bodies. Since I have a rather weak liver (I am a cheap drunk: under the table with one glass of wine…) I chose NAC to help me detoxify.[22]

The research is so good that NAC is already a pharmaceutical product (Mucomyst) used to thin out mucous secretions in lung patients and in the ER to detoxify Tylenol overdoses. One may safely take 600-1,800 mg a day.

            These are some of the benefits of NAC:[23]

Prevention of COPD exacerbations and pulmonary fibrosis

Prevention of contrast-induced kidney damage during imaging procedures

Attenuation of flu symptoms and adjunct for H. pylori treatment

Treatment of infertility in PCOS not responding to clomiphene

Cancer prevention

Prophylaxis against gentamycin-induced hearing loss in dialysis patients.

Treatment of Trichotillomania: pulling one’s own hair.[24]

Shining light on MS

Vitamin D seems to help MS.[25] Patients getting 14,000 IU had a 16% chance of relapse; 38% of the control group relapsed. There is a higher incidence of MS in people exposed to less sunlight in infancy. In the US we only get 6 months of adequate exposure. One of the functions of vitamin D is to stimulate the immune system; MS seems to be an autoimmune problem.

Supplementing 40,000 IU/day resulted in serum levels around 420 nmol/L. The safe level has been reported to be 250. But, no problems were seen, even while taking calcium 1,200 mg/day.

“We believe that vitamin D intake up to 40K IU/day for a brief period of time and 10k IU/day for a year appears to demonstrate biochemical safety, evidence of clinical benefit, and evidence of decreased T cell proliferation.”

Here are more recent articles on the benefits of vitamin D:

* Vitamin D 5,000 IU in nursing home to get level >75, AJCN 2009;89:1132

* Vitamin D 50,000 IU per week for 8 weeks in deficient patients helps fibromyalgia,

            J. Endocrine Practice 2009;15:203

* Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in women with breast cancer; supplementing it        would presumably lower the risk, J. Clinical Oncology 2009;27:2151

* Differences in Vitamin D levels may explain racial disparity in Peripheral Artery Dz.

            AJCN 2008;88:1469

* Higher vitamin D deficiency seen in those most at risk: black teens, women, obese

            J. Pediatrics 2009;123:797

* Lower vitamin D levels decreases cognition, J. Neurol, Neurosur, Psy, May 21 2009

* Single dose of 300,000 IU of vitamin D OK all at once in elderly patients with        hyperparathyroidism,    J. Bone Mineral Metabolism 2008;26:603

* “Vitamin D supplementation enhances the beneficial effects of weight loss on cardiovascular disease risk markers,” AJCN 2009 89: 1321

 “Exploring the Causes of Parkinson’s Disease, PD”[26]

            It has taken a while for mainstream medicine to acknowledge the mountain of evidence pointing to Inflammation from pesticides, head injury and genetics as the reason we are seeing so many people get PD. This is likely because pesticides use in our society is widespread, which is unlikely to change given how our economy works.

            “More than 20 case control or prospective population studies have shown an association between PD and pesticides.” Paraquat has 2-3X higher risk of PD. Occupational and residential use of pesticides is also associated with PD. In fact, 150 days of home gardening with pesticides is associated with a 70% higher risk of PD; 30 days of exposure with a 40% risk. Just having pesticides in the home for 77 days increases the risk by 70%.[27]

            Specifically, toxins like pesticides may cause an increase in reactive oxygen species (oxidative stress) and mitochondrial dysfunction. As you know, the mitochondria are specialized cells within cells in charge of turning food into energy and information that our cells need to do their job.

            The best way to deal with this problem is to eat as organic as possible. Cruciferous veggies and supplementing their main nutrients, Indole-3-Carbinol and Sulpharanes helps the liver detoxify pesticides.[28]

                 INTEGRATIVE HEALTH EDUCATION

             A monthly review of 100 medical journals

                                       Volume 10 � Number 9 � September 2009                         

                                                         EDITOR’S NOTE 

            As the debate for health care reform rages (see my last few blogs if you want to get mad at me) I cannot help feeling frustrated and a bit hopeless, which no doubt is contributing to my hair graying.[1] Lost in the ideology flung around from both sides is the real work that must take place to regain our health as a society and as individuals. Unless we focus on people’s lifestyles, nutrition, relationships (to the community, family, and the environment) we will continue to throw money away and deny patients the chance to optimize their health.

            One good bit of news: some doctors are beginning to ask their patients if they are using any “alternative” therapies, apparently ready to tolerate them.[2] If your doctor has shown an interest, feel free to share this website with him/her.

Hugo Rodier, MD

Junk food just got worse

            A disturbing report came out saying that High Fructose Corn Syrup, HFCS, is contaminated by the mercury found in the caustic soda used in HFCS processing.[3]

            Product                       Mercury parts per trillion

            Quaker oatmeal                        350

            Jack Daniel’s                            300

            Hershey’s syrup                        257

            Kraft barbecue sauce                200

            Kellog’s cereal bars                  180

            Manwich sauce                         150

            Grape jelly                                130

            Smucker’s jelly                         100

            Pop tarts                                  100

            Hunt’s Ketchup                        87

            Wish bone dressing                   72

            Coca cola classic                      62

            Yoplait strawberry yogurt         60

            Minute maid punch                   40

            Yoo hoo chocolate drink          30

            Nesquik chocolate milk 30

            Kemps chocolate milk              30

“Surprises from Celiac Disease, CD”[4]

            When I was in Medical School we were told that wheat/gluten allergy was quite rare. It turns out that 1% of people have a problem with gluten exposure, especially those that are genetically susceptible and have intestinal permeability, or leaky gut. Unfortunately, leaky gut is becoming more common because of our toxic diets, overuse of chemicals, especially antibiotics, chlorinated/fluoridated water and a lack of fiber in our diets.

            The same factors are seen in other autoimmune disorders (Diabetes, MS, Rheumatoid arthritis, Thyroiditis, Chron’s and Ulcerative Colitis.) Consequently, the authors feel that the treatment of celiac disease “may ameliorate other conditions.” Well, knock me over with a feather; the relationship between autoimmune diseases and an inflamed gut won the Nobel Prize in 1908. These simple concepts are at the heart of what I feel needs to be done to cure 80% of the chronic problems that afflict people. Thankfully, these neglected facts are beginning to get more ink in our best scientific journals. Naturopaths and other like-minded health workers have been TOILing[5] with these issues for more than a hundred years.

            Here are the main points in this remarkable article:

·        There was a drop in death rate from 35% to zero in children affected by CD in the Netherlands with a bread shortage in WWII. The death rate went back up when bread was reintroduced in their diets.

·        Intestinal inflammation: villi, or little hair-like projections in the lining of the intestines is flattened; poor nutrition and absorption results. CD triggers the formation of an antibody to the enzyme tissue transglutaminase. This antibody may be used to diagnose CD, but the false negatives may be as high as 70%. Even an intestinal biopsy may fail to diagnose the problem. An elimination diet is the best way to explore the possibility of CD, or its predecessor, an allergy to gluten.

·        Symptoms have escaped detection: fatigue, joint pain, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation/diarrhea, weight loss, vomiting, anemia, arthritis, depression, infertility, numbness in hands/feet, osteoporosis, short stature, skin lesions, epilepsy, dementia, schizophrenia, and seizures.

·        Partially digested gluten (amino acids glutamine and proline) sneak across leaky mucosa; this triggers an immune system reaction, especially in people with HLA-DQ2 and DQ8 genetics.

·        Zonulin is an intestinal protein released when the gut is exposed to toxins: it loosens tight junctions between intestinal cells which leads to leaky gut The same problem is seen in autoimmune diseases.

·        Future treatment: vaccine, drugs to degrade gluten, zonulin blockers, HLA blockers to avoid attachment to gluten peptides that T helper cells will detect, T helper cells blockers. They are even considering starting a hookworm infection to dampen the host’s immune response.

·        The best treatment: avoid gluten. This is very important in the 1^st 12months of life in babies with genetic susceptibility.

            In my practice I find wheat intolerance in about 10% of people. This is likely because of self-selection: my patients tend to be highly motivated people who, due to multiple gut issues, have already decided that they must change their diet. Most of them don’t have CD, but the beginning of an allergy to wheat or grains with gluten. When the problem is relentless and it involves more serious gut involvement we may then call this common problem CD.

            If one has CD, or a gluten intolerance, one could buy one of many books on the market and/or join a support group. I tell my patients that the most important things to remember are rather simple, albeit hard to do:

(1)   All processed foods have gluten. This includes items like ketchup, steak sauce, etc. Grains that have gluten: wheat, rye, barley, oats.

(2)   Friend, family, churches, restaurants, work, etc will have gluten treats, breads and pasta readily available.

(3)   One may eat all the bread, cereals, chips, tortillas and pasta they want at home. They will have bought these items made with non-gluten grains they have tested after their elimination diet.

(4)   If problems persist, consider the possibility that your genetic makeup may not be conducive to eating grains or legumes.[6]

Big Pharma’s business practices

            As you know, statin drugs to lower cholesterol were originally extracted from fermented red rice, a product widely used in China for centuries.  The fact that pharmaceutical companies have lobbied to get red rice off the shelves attests to its efficacy and to the rapacious behavior of Big Pharma, whose main interest is profits, not our health.

            The attempts to disenfranchise red rice are not unique. There has been a systematic effort to discredit non-pharmaceutical products that may cut into their profits; ironically, the items most vilified seem to be the ones Big Pharma has copied from Mother Nature. The article “Drug Discovery and Natural Products: end of an era or an endless frontier?”[7] makes the following points:

•  “By 1990 about 80% of drugs were either natural products or analogs inspired by them…[but after that only] 50%.”

• New discoveries in biochemistry and nutrition science will likely continue to feed the pharmaceutical industry with new ideas.

• Examples of drugs that have been extracted from natural products: penicillin, tetracycline, erythromycin, ivermectin, quinine, artemisinin, statin drugs, cyclosporine, rapamycin, taxol, doxorubin

            I could add deplin, alpha lipoic acid, omega oils, rozerem, tamiflu, resveratrol, vitamin D, niacin, N-acetyl cysteine, etc, etc.

            Next time you are told that there is no evidence for “alternative” (the pejorative term they have coined to mean non-pharmaceutical) medicine, just smile. Will some of those practitioners ever see past their conditioning? Let’s hope so.

One of my most favorite herbs: “Curcumin.”[8]

            Curcumin/turmeric became a pharmaceutical product in India. It is easy to see why. Curcumin is the only herb I take. Here is why:

• Antioxidant, J. Biochem Pharmacology 1976;25:1811

• Anti inflammatory, J. Pharmacology Research 1999;39:41

• Antibacterial, J. Agricultural Food Chemistry 1999;47:4297

• Anticancer, J. Anticancer Research 2003;23:363,  J. Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers Prev                                         2005;14:120, J Digestion 2006;74:140, J. Food Chem Tox 2009;47:377

• Fatty liver in obesity, J. Endocrinology 2009;150:3011

• Injury healing, British J. Pharmacology 2003;139:209

• Rheumatoid arthritis, J. Natural Products 2006;69:351

• Pancreatitis, Am J. Physiology Gastrointl Liver Phys 2003;284:G85

• Post-op healing, Int J. Clin Pharmacol Therapy Toxicology 1986;24:651

• Uveitis, J. Phytotherapy Research 1999;13:318

• Ulcers, Southeast Asian J. Tropical Med Public Health 2001;32:208

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome, J. Review Gastrointestinal Disorders 2001;1:2

• Chron’s, Ulcerative Colitis, J. Digestion Diseases Science 2005;50:191

This review article left out 3 important functions of curcumin:

·        Curcumin helps depression, especially stress-induced

                  J. Brain Research 2006;1122:56

·        Curcumin helps reduce obesity/insulin resistance

                  Journal of Nutrition, May 2009; 139 (5): 1042

·        Curcumin reduces high blood pressure

                  Journal of Clinical Investigation, March 2008

Herbal Update

Vitex agnus helps PMDD or PMS

            J. Maturitas March 6^th 2009

St John’s Wort also helps in menopause

            J. Menopause Feb 3 2009

Rhodiola helps relieve stress fatigue

            J. Planta Medica 2009;75:105

Ginger is as effective as ibuprofen in menstrual cramps

            J. Alternative Medicine Feb 13^th 2009

            Ginger also helps nausea in pregnancy, J. Altern Comp Med 2009;15:243

Silymarin, or milk thistle is safe and effective for hepatitis

            J. Phytomedicine 2009;16:391

Silymarin is also a safe and effective galactogogue (milk secretion.)

            J. Acta Biomed 2008;79:205

Gingko is as effective as the Alzheimer’s drug donepezil

            Combining the two is more effective; also fewer side effects are seen

            J. Aging Mental Health 2009;13:183

Green tea helps with weight loss

            J. Alternative Medicine Review 2009;14:154

                   INTEGRATIVE HEALTH EDUCATION

             A monthly review of 100 medical journals

                                       Volume 10 � Number 8 � August 2009                               

                                                         EDITOR’S NOTE 

Since you are reading this newsletter, chances are good that you, like me, are a bit of an outsider, and an independent thinker. People like us are felt to be inconvenient gadflies by most. Occasionally, we feel isolated from the “madding crowd” we sometimes find a bit blinded by “bread and circus.” And, occasionally we run into someone who appreciates our input, out thoughts and our “out-of –the –box” approach to life. Such is the case with researchers at BYU who found that “Outsiders Facilitate Better Decisions: socially distinct newcomers help solve problems.”[1]

You, like me, may get tired of always being on the wrong side of issues; perhaps you also entertain thoughts of retiring and fade into the sunset. I hope you don’t. Society needs your input, even thought most people don’t know this. Hang in there. Help me pass these ideas on so that we may improve our fellowman’s health. Hugo Rodier, MD

Homecoming

            Even though I have reported on the devastating effects of childhood abuse on our health as we grow up, I am compelled to update you because this is such a tough and common problem; I estimate that 1/3 of my patients have serious chronic health problems[2] because of some emotional/physical/sexual trauma growing up. It turns out that our very DNA/genes are altered by those traumas; also, our brain receptors to glucocorticoids are reduced,[3] which predisposes our body to more inflammation (aches and pain for starters,) and also to a tendency to obesity and diabetes.

            I am afraid that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome patients are very likely to have a history of childhood trauma. Unfortunately, these patients are often dismissed with a prescription for Prozac, without looking into the possibility of significant neuro-endocrine dysfunction often seen in CFS.[4]

            Since I too have a history of child abuse, I feel I can be a bit lighthearted about this dark problem: whenever I see the “toilet paper role” sign (a patient pulling out a very long list of problems) I get suspicious that they are hacking at the leaves of their problem, not at the roots: the childhood trauma festering like a boil. Unfortunately, these patients are often subtly dismissed from “cherry-picking” clinics by neglect; sometimes they are overtly dismissed with a referral to some specialist who is not likely to help, but to add to the long list of treatments/drugs already heaped on these patients. Worse, some of these patients end up in clinics were hormones are overused.

            True, these patients are likely to have adrenal hypofunction. But, mild supplements like ginseng, DHEA, licorice, ashwaganda are often sufficient, given a good nutritional program high in fluids and minerals. The best results are seen when the patient is able to deal with the often forgotten trauma; hopefully this leads to forgiveness. Then, the patient is able to move on.

            Most helpful for me was reading Bradshaw’s book “Homecoming.” Even though it is written for recovering alcoholics, I highly recommend it for anyone with childhood issues of any kind. It is a very good workbook that gets you to revisit all the trauma and toxic history with the eyes of an adult. Memories are stored with the cognitive/emotional capacity of a child, not an adult. But, they have a powerful effect on the adult. So, when re-interpreted with the extra wisdom, maturity and experience one has mustered with growth, said memories lose their powerful grip on our heart, spirit and psyche.

A Gut Feeling

            The studies on the importance of our friendly organisms are exploding in the medical literature. Practically all diseases are turning out to be associated with gut function; of course: that is where we get the energy and information every cell in our body needs to carry out its function. For instance 43% of Autistic children may have problems with their ecology in the gut.[5] (This newsletter has explored the brain-gut connection several times in the past.) 

Probiotics are now almost routinely used for intestinal problems in preschoolers[6] and adults alike. However, don’t fall for the Yogurt commercials; you would need 1,000 servings of yogurt to get an adequate amount of probiotics.[7] I recommend getting capsules of probiotics, or make the yogurt yourself with good cultures and soy, rice or almond milk. Health food stores have instructions, or look them up on the internet.

More on the Gut[8]

      Here is another ground breaking article on the ecology of the gut. When I see a real good one I do bullet points so that you may study it in greater depth.

• Small Intestines Bacterial Overgrowth, SIBO, associated with multiple health problems, even outside the gut. So much for docs who continue to discourage patients who feel an overgrowth of organisms (including yeast) in the gut is making them sick:[9] “Shifts in microbiota can cause yeast infections and GI symptoms including bloating, abdominal; pain, and diarrhea.”

• Microbiota’s ability to detoxify chemicals and toxins (that is one of their many functions) greatly alters action of pharmaceuticals. In other words, a prescription drug may work differently on you, given your own signature gut colonization.

• It takes 1 month for intestinal flora to recover after a 5 day course of antibiotic ciprofloxacin. “But a few types of bacteria failed to recover even 6 months later… some remained disrupted up to 2 years after a 7 day course of clindamycin.” So, don’t rush to take an antibiotic: you are beating up on your small friends. Speaking of friends:

“New generations are growing up without our ancient companion, H. Pylori to orchestrate their gastric hormones….[H. pylori] is now also thought to modulate immunologic, endocrine, and physiologic functions in the stomach.”

As H. pylori levels decrease we are seeing more esophageal cancer. I am one of those docs who feel we rushed too fast into blaming this bacteria for ulcers. True, they are found in ulcer craters, but only as an opportunistic bug that perpetuates the initial inflammation. In other words, H. Pylori takes advantage of the break down in the mucosal lining of the stomach.

• Gut flora mutations from poor diets, excessive antibiotics, chlorinated water, etc. may lead to obesity and diabetes. Our intestinal flora gets used to the sweet garbage one eats. Then, they send you messages to the brain so that you go out to the store to get them the food they have grown accustomed to. Are you being controlled by these little one’s whims and cravings? The wrong organisms in the gut also mess up your ability to process calories optimally; you and I may eat the same amount of calories, but the one colonized by the sugar-craving bugs may absorb more calories from the same meal than the one with a healthier gut flora.

• Brain-gut connection: stressed rats at birth had markedly altered microbiota. Autism shows altered gut flora. This article estimates that 91% of them have GI problems. They have more clostridium species of intestinal bacteria, which produce enterotoxins and neurotoxins. Also, antibiotic use increases gut flora’s absorption of mercury and its ability to detoxify that heavy metal, which is a neurotoxin; this may lead to autism symptoms.

• Most of the genes we carry around belong to our intestinal flora. The NIH is trying to map out all those foreign genes within us. The Human Microbiome Project is the USA’s equivalent to the European Union’s program Metagenomics of the Human Intestinal Tract. Both will lead to personalized medicine based on intestinal tract ecology.

 “Olive Leaf”[10]

            The basis of the Mediterranean diet is olive oil. The leaf is worth having, too:

• From the olive tree. Active ingredients: secoiridoids, hydroxytyrosol, polyphenols, triterpines and flavonoids. The main ingredient is oleuropein, which protects the fruits and leaves from pathogens and insects

• Actions: hypotensive/vasodilatory, antimicrobial, including malaria, antioxidant/anti inflammatory, hypoglycemic. All these actions help lower the risk of heart disease, especially its anti-platelet effect: Olive leaf extract taken for 8 weeks decreased blood pressure, cholesterol.

• Most cold viruses and parasites were neutralized in vitro studies

• Rat studies showed improved thyroid function

• Olive leaf is best tolerated with food in 500-2,000 mg range. It is quite safe.

“What is Wrong with Cancer Tests”[11]

            That is the title of a mainstream article; don’t shoot the messenger.

• Many experts feel that early detection of breast cancer, prostate cancer may not do any good. “Tests may be picking up small cancers that would never have caused any symptoms…Once they are diagnosed, almost everybody gets treated-and we know that treatment can cause harm… Screening’s power to cut risk of dying has been wildly overinflated… By the time cancer is big enough to be seen on a mammogram or other test, it’s already sent seeds to other parts of the body.”

• Detecting small cancers may not do any good. In Denmark a study showed that 39% of middle aged women who died of other causes had breast cancer at autopsy. 60% of men at age 60 have undetected prostate cancer; yet only 3% of deaths are due to this cancer

• Only the pap smear has shown a decreased in the risk of death

• Inflated numbers: colon cancer mortality drops by 60% with colonoscopies. But, mortality is really reduced from 2.3% down to 0.9%. “A benefit, yes, but not necessarily big enough to outweigh all other considerations.” If ½ of those people advised to have a colonoscopy did it, it would cost $110+ million dollars/year

• Better tests in the pipeline:

      Oncotype DX test measures the activity of 21 genes in tumor cells to calculate the likelihood of the cancer reoccurring in 10 years.

      ERG and PCA3 genes: if they are inactive in prostate cancer cells, aggressive therapy could be avoided.

• Screening may be right for you if:

                  You have a family history

                  You have a risky mutation, like BRCA 1&2 for breast cancer                                       
                  You have already had cancer

• Think twice about screening if:

                  You have another serious illness (it may do you in before the cancer)

                  You are under 50 or over 70

                  You are significantly afraid of being harmed by treatment you don’t need

• Other ways you may be overtreated:

                  CTs involve a lot of radiation

                  MRIs for back pain are unnecessary    

                  Back Surgery, Knee surgeries

                  Angioplasties or stents add no survival value over drugs and lifestyle changes, unless you’re in the middle, or aftermath of a heart attack

                  INTEGRATIVE HEALTH EDUCATION

             A monthly review of 100 medical journals

                                       Volume 10 � Number 4 � April 2009                                  

                                                        EDITOR’S NOTE 

A downside of being an Integrative doctor is that those who spouse more extremist ideologies often criticize me for my middle-of the road stances. While considering an extreme point of view I often hear from the other extreme that I am selling out. For instance, telling a doctor-hating patient that they must take a given drug may disappoint said patient. This is why I feel I am likely to offend some of you no matter how I introduce the subject of feminine issues in our society and in health care in particular. In my opinion we have de-emphasized our feminine nature (in men and women) by giving into our masculine tendencies. This is particularly true in health care. This is not to say that either opposite is better than the other, but bringing up the neglected feminine in us is likely to be interpreted by some as denigrating the over-dominant masculine. This is not so; we need an integration of both forces.

This is why I delighted in the article “Heart of the Matter”[1] that reported on women’s welfare being tied to peace; the more violence against women the more national security is undermined. And the more neglected women are in society the more health problems said society has.[2] A great example of this concept is Roseto, Pennsylvania. This little town was practically transplanted from Italy to the USA. Its people maintained very close community ties (a feminine concept); as a result their rate of health problems was much lower than surrounding populations that were not as cohesive. Despite eating questionable diets, Roseto dwellers had less chronic diseases.[3]

Our emphasis on a more masculine approach to health care (invasive chemicals (drugs,) surgery, radiation, etc., continues to be questioned. In my opinion, our society is ripe for fundamental changes that will balance more feminine approaches such as relationships, nutrition and prevention; “get out of the way” if you don’t agree:

“The crisis facing the US health care system is in large part a consequence of that system’s disease –oriented, reactive, and sporadic approach to care [masculine approach-my words]… A personalized, predictive, preventive, and participatory medicine [feminine approach-my words], that is prospective care, has been receiving increasing attention as a solution to the US health care crisis.” (“Prospective Health Care and the Role of Academic Medicine: lead, follow, or get out of the way.”[4])

Infection prevention

Recently I drove through a snowstorm for ten hours through Northern New Mexico. Driving at 20 mph was stressful and all the chips I ate probably didn’t help. When I got home I caught the flu, but it only lasted 12 hrs. My family was sick with it for a week. Why? Good nutrition and rest boost our immune system. “The germ is nothing; the terrain is everything” said Pasteur.[5]

Here are some recent articles proving him right:

More colds with low vitamin D levels

            J. Archives Internal Medicine 2009;169:384

“Sleep Habits and Susceptibility to the Common Cold,”

            J. Archives Internal Medicine 2009;169:62

“Micronutrient Deficiencies Are Associated with Impaired Immune Response and Higher Burden of Respiratory Infections in Elderly”

            J. Nutrition 2009;139:113

North American ginseng helps colds in children

            J. Pediatrics 2008;122:e402

Zinc improves Rx for childhood pneumonia

            J. Nutrition Review 2008;66:398

Zinc decreases oxidative stress, cytokines and infections in Sickle Cell Dz

            J. Transplant Research 2008;152:67

Metabolic update: how do you handle Energy & Information (food?)

If you come to my New Patient Orientation (Thursdays 5 PM; call 801-576-1086) you will review the concept that everything in the known Universe is about Energy and Information. Our body (cells) is no different. This is why focusing only on calories (Energy) while neglecting the Information (vitamins, antioxidants, etc) content of food will never work if you are trying to lose weight. Remember the article that showed that DIET soda pop promotes obesity?[6] Here are some updates to prove the point:

The amino acid Arginine reduces white fat gain and enhances muscle mass in obese rats

            J. Nutrition 2009;139:230

Green tea enhances exercise-induced loss of abdominal fat

            J. Nutrition 2009;139:264

“Mastication of Almonds: effects of lipid bioaccessibility, appetite and hormone response.” If you chew almonds 40 times before swallowing your appetite decreases

American J. Clinical Nutrition 2009;89:793

Blockade of central melanocortin-4 receptors by circulating autoantibodies may contribute to obesity in a small subgroup of patients. Why do we develop said antibodies? Poor immune system function

            J Clinical Endocrinology Metabolism 2009 94: 793-800

People with insulin resistance are more likely to develop diabetes. Why insulin resistance: toxicity, oxidation, inflammation, mitochondrial problems and stress

            J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2009 94: 920-926

“Chronic Intake of Potato Chips Increases the Production of Reactive Oxygen Radicals and Increases C-Reactive Protein;” Chips = oxidation = diabesity

AJCN 2009;89:773

1-3 grams cinnamon reduce insulin levels after meals

AJCN 2009;89:815

“Effects of Antioxidant Supplementation on Insulin Sensitivity, Endothelial Adhesion Molecules, and Oxidative Stress in Normal Weight and Overweight Adults,”

J. Metabolism Clinical and Experimental 2009;58:254

More insulin resistance in nondiabetic adults seen with a given phenotype (genes) and lower levels of vitamin D

            J. Nutrition 2009;139:329

Lifestyle trumps Gastric Bypass surgery in the long term

J. Family Practice News Feb 15^th 2009 page 23

Caloric restriction for longevity only seen in obese mice

JAMA 2009;301:924

Gut bugs making you fat?

If you have been reading this newsletter for a while you know the answer is yes. The intestinal flora that loves you because you got them used to sugar are screaming at you to keep feeding them that way. Fortunately, the article “Microbiology, Obesity and Probiotics”[7] gives us a way out of this dilemma: take friendly bacteria to fight these bad guys. Some docs are starting to use antibiotics against them to curve your addiction to chocolate and refined sugars. I am one of them, but I prefer to start with less invasive probiotics, lots of fiber and of course, a realistic nutrition program to withdraw from the sugarholic vise patients find themselves in.

Best motivation to lose weight?

If you are easily offended by frank discussions on sexual issues, please, skip this section.

Finally, a good report to validate my advice to people who want to lose weight: if you want to have better sex, overcome your addiction to sugar.[8]

Of course, there are many other reasons to want to lose weight, but, really, few of them bring as much pleasure. We need to be motivated by rewards that are clear, tangible and worth the trouble. If we keep telling patients that weight loss is just for healthy reasons or to save money, fewer will take up the challenge. So, the choice is better outlined if we say “choose between an evening of gluttony or an evening of lust…”

I bet some of you will say that one may get addicted to sex. Fair enough. But, if the sex addiction is circumscribed within the bounds of acceptable and mutually respectful relationships between consenting adults I say leave them alone in the privacy of their bedrooms.

A related article: “Effect of Dehydroepiandrosterone Replacement on Lipoprotein Profile in Hypoadrenal Women”[9] DHEA is an adrenal gland hormone that becomes testosterone. The evidence that a healthy sex life has medical benefits continues to expand. Since the adrenal glands may be stressed out, also, think about the relaxing effects of sex…
 

Telegraphed articles:

Treating a failing heart by paying attention to symptoms is just as effective as checking the laboratory/blood (BNP).

            JAMA 2009;301:383, 432

Bill before Senate: Big Pharma to report payments to docs >$100/yr

JAMA 2009;301:1011

Kids with separation anxiety, panic attacks have a genetic sensitivity to CO2

J. Archives of General Psychiatry 2009;66:64

Combining the drugs like the purple pill with Plavix has a higher morbidity after MI

JAMA 2009;301:937

Coffee in midlife decreases risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia in later life

J. Alzheimer’s Disease, January 2009

Cognitive decline = nutrition + genes (nutrigenomics)

J. Alzheimer’s Disease, January 2009

Acupuncture improves PTSD; PTSD associated with metabolic problems in vets

J. Family Practice News, February 15ht 2009, page 17

Lower risk of Barrett’s esophagus (scarring from heartburn) with fruits and veggies

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2009;89:890

Leaky gut from NSAID like ibuprofen

J. Gastroenterology 2009;44:23

Fibromyalgia from dopamine deficiency? Supplement GABA

J. Rheumatology 2009;36:221

Macular Degeneration helped by B complex vitamins

J. Archives Internal Medicine 2009;169:335

Lower endometrial (uterus) cancer risk with veggies

            J. Nutrition 2009;139:317

Green tea reduces breast cancer risk

            J. Nutrition 2009;139:310

New prostate cancer marker: sarcosine goes up (product of methylation of glycine)

JAMA 2009;301:1008

Check for thyroid antibodies when pregnant: they may affect fetal health

J Clinical Endocrinology Metabolism 2009 94: 772-779

Red meat increases metabolic syndrome and CRP (inflammation) in women

            J. Nutrition 2009;139:335

Quercetin suppresses inflammation that leads to apoptosis (cell death)

            J. Nutrition 2009;139:101

“Association between Vitamin D Deficiency and Primary Cesarean Section”
            J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2009 94: 940-945

Dark leafy veggies help heart rate variability

AJCN 2009;89:773

“Dietary Intervention for Blood Pressure Control: a call to action!”

AJCN 2009;89:734

“Fine Particulate Air Pollution [decreases] Life Expectancy in the United States”

            NEJM 2009;360:376

 INTEGRATIVE HEALTH EDUCATION

             A monthly review of 100 medical journals

                                       Volume 10 � Number 2 � February 2009                            

                                                          EDITOR’S NOTE