I've just been browsing on a few of the medical sites from which I usually get my inspiration for these blogs. After about a half-hour, I came to the conclusion that if lay people are looking for clear-cut answers to their health concerns, they're out of luck. One article was about how vitamin E and selenium is thought to contribute to prostate cancer, another about how chondroitin sulfate is thought to help osteoarthritis (we talked about that one, before) and another includes the researcher's musings about which vitamin supplements may or may not help us avoid heart disease. In addition to the fact that, as previously discussed in former blogs, all research contains a degree of bias, we have the problem of what sources of supplements are being used in all these research studies....those are seldom, if ever, identified.
Also, of significant consideration is the general health of those people participating in these studies. In reading these studies, I cannot remember the researchers including any identifiers of the subjects' health...especially in the above mentioned studies. Sometimes, the medical profession can be just as swayed by the appearance of health as the general population and, in my opinion, that can truly bias some studies more than others.
My recommendation is to take the findings of any studies reported in the media with a block of salt. Additionally, don't expect your health to be positively impacted simply by taking manufactured vitamin supplements. The purpose of supplementation is just that, to supplement a balanced, healthy diet for optimal results. I certainly wouldn't recommend an older male patient only take selenium and vitamin E for the purpose of trying to avoid prostate cancer...it's much more involved than that. I also don't recommend getting advice on health from the internet...that should be individuated to the specific need/health/family history. There are many qualified health practitioners whose services should be sought, at the very least, when developing a health regimen.
My advice is to relax, primarily eat the way I have reported in past blogs, enjoy an occasional "naughty" meal/dessert/fast food, take a couple of whole food supplements that we've discussed and enjoy yourself...life's too short to be tied up in knots by biased studies and "the-flavor-of-the-day" opinion.
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
This is How Our Children are Diagnosed with ADD
A new study links the diagnosis of ADHD and how long a woman took Acetaminophen or other NSAIDs during her pregnancy. Almost 30% of the children diagnosed with this condition were born to mothers who took this OTC while carrying their baby. It was also noted that the longer this medication was taken, the more severe the ADD was in the child.
I have to say that this penchant in our country to take a medication for every ache and pain or symptom is going to come back to haunt us. In fact, I believe it already has. Imagine, think how a person would feel finding out that a seemingly innocuous over-the-counter medication has caused a life-long disability in their child. We rely on medical doctors and the FDA to tell us which drugs are safe and which are not...unfortunately, often times these groups are clueless as to the long term affects of "harmless" medications. Also, unfortunately, we often become little more than guinea pigs in this merry-go-round of marketing pressure to take pills in order to have a "happy" life.
While there are no definitive studies concerning cause and effect where autism is concerned, it is my opinion that we will eventually see a similar connection between the overuse of over-the-counter medication and this disability as we do between ADHD and anti-inflammatory meds.
I truly wonder what it will take for us to pull back from this over-medication brinkmanship.
<ahref=http://fixdhealthcare.
I have to say that this penchant in our country to take a medication for every ache and pain or symptom is going to come back to haunt us. In fact, I believe it already has. Imagine, think how a person would feel finding out that a seemingly innocuous over-the-counter medication has caused a life-long disability in their child. We rely on medical doctors and the FDA to tell us which drugs are safe and which are not...unfortunately, often times these groups are clueless as to the long term affects of "harmless" medications. Also, unfortunately, we often become little more than guinea pigs in this merry-go-round of marketing pressure to take pills in order to have a "happy" life.
While there are no definitive studies concerning cause and effect where autism is concerned, it is my opinion that we will eventually see a similar connection between the overuse of over-the-counter medication and this disability as we do between ADHD and anti-inflammatory meds.
I truly wonder what it will take for us to pull back from this over-medication brinkmanship.
<ahref=http://fixdhealthcare.
Monday, February 24, 2014
Do You Need to take Medication to Prevent Breast Cancer?
According to Dr. Lidia Schapira, considered by her peers to be an expert on breast cancer, the answer is, "yes," for just about every woman. I have to be honest, here.... that surprises me.
A group of drugs, known as chemopreventative medications, is what is being recommended. So, I'm guessing that just about every woman going in for a routine check up is being given the advice that she should be taking a drug from this group (tamoxifen and raloxifene are two such meds), even if she is post-menopausal, normal weight, exercises regularly, a non-smoker, has no family history of breast cancer, has clear mammograms/pap smears and drinks fewer than 3 glasses of wine a week.
The idea is that the possible risks from the disease (which we know usually decrease as a woman ages) are worth the risks taken to receive the possible benefits that are subscribed to the medications. Interestingly enough, some of the other risk factors for developing breast cancer that may not be generally known are, one, living in this country, two, being a member of a higher socioeconomic group, three, being highly educated and, four, being Caucasian.
I think women who fall into those "risky" categories would do well to look at both their diet and stress levels and not simply count on medication to help them avoid breast cancer.
<ahref=http://fixdhealthcare.
drkollars@gmail.com
A group of drugs, known as chemopreventative medications, is what is being recommended. So, I'm guessing that just about every woman going in for a routine check up is being given the advice that she should be taking a drug from this group (tamoxifen and raloxifene are two such meds), even if she is post-menopausal, normal weight, exercises regularly, a non-smoker, has no family history of breast cancer, has clear mammograms/pap smears and drinks fewer than 3 glasses of wine a week.
The idea is that the possible risks from the disease (which we know usually decrease as a woman ages) are worth the risks taken to receive the possible benefits that are subscribed to the medications. Interestingly enough, some of the other risk factors for developing breast cancer that may not be generally known are, one, living in this country, two, being a member of a higher socioeconomic group, three, being highly educated and, four, being Caucasian.
I think women who fall into those "risky" categories would do well to look at both their diet and stress levels and not simply count on medication to help them avoid breast cancer.
<ahref=http://fixdhealthcare.
drkollars@gmail.com
Thursday, February 20, 2014
New Breast Cancer Risk
New information has just been released concerning the connection between an increased rate of cancer and anti-depressant medication. Specifically, Paxil, which is the most prescribed medication in this group.
An estimated 25% of all women aged 40-60 are taking meds for depression. And, Paxil is the drug of choice, it appears. Women taking this medication in this age group have shown a significant increase in breast cancer in relation to women not taking the drug.
The study does not state whether the breast cancer associated with the anti-depressive medication is more virulent than the cancer acquired by women who are not on medication. As a rule, the older a woman is when contracting breast cancer, the less lethal it is; the contrary is also true, unfortunately.
I have written about alternatives to anti-depressive medication in a number of blogs. I think this study shows the importance of considering alternatives to medications for the treatment of the symptoms of depression.
<ahref=http://fixdhealthcare.
An estimated 25% of all women aged 40-60 are taking meds for depression. And, Paxil is the drug of choice, it appears. Women taking this medication in this age group have shown a significant increase in breast cancer in relation to women not taking the drug.
The study does not state whether the breast cancer associated with the anti-depressive medication is more virulent than the cancer acquired by women who are not on medication. As a rule, the older a woman is when contracting breast cancer, the less lethal it is; the contrary is also true, unfortunately.
I have written about alternatives to anti-depressive medication in a number of blogs. I think this study shows the importance of considering alternatives to medications for the treatment of the symptoms of depression.
<ahref=http://fixdhealthcare.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Do You Like Protein Bars?
I was recently reading a study that says 40% of office workers eat their lunch at their desks. And, what are these folks choosing to eat? Protein/Breakfast/Granola bars. There has been a significant increase in the sales of these perceived-to-be-healthy-bars, presumably by many of these office workers and, maybe, their children, being used as meal substitutes. They're healthy, aren't they? No, not really.
We Americans love to eat sugar...literally, pounds and pounds of the stuff, per person, per year. The latest recommendation is for us to eat no more than 10 teaspoons of added sugar, per day. These bars offer a 6-8 teaspoons of additional sugar...per bar! Just when we thought we were eating a healthy granola or breakfast bar, too.
I know people lead very time-intense lives, but it might be a good idea to take a few minutes to put together a trail mix of nuts, seeds and tiny amounts of dried fruit or even to make one's own granola. If you use honey in your oats/nuts/seeds/dried fruit mixture (bake at 350 F. for 30-40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes), you'll find that you won't be able to eat as much of the mix as you would had it been made with table sugar. Yes, honey is sugar, but its glycemic index is lower than white sugar, it contains healthy nutrients, if made locally, it can decrease or eliminate your allergies and it is self-limiting.
I would recommend eliminating such bars from your children's diet, completely, if not your own.
<ahref=http://fixdhealthcare.
We Americans love to eat sugar...literally, pounds and pounds of the stuff, per person, per year. The latest recommendation is for us to eat no more than 10 teaspoons of added sugar, per day. These bars offer a 6-8 teaspoons of additional sugar...per bar! Just when we thought we were eating a healthy granola or breakfast bar, too.
I know people lead very time-intense lives, but it might be a good idea to take a few minutes to put together a trail mix of nuts, seeds and tiny amounts of dried fruit or even to make one's own granola. If you use honey in your oats/nuts/seeds/dried fruit mixture (bake at 350 F. for 30-40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes), you'll find that you won't be able to eat as much of the mix as you would had it been made with table sugar. Yes, honey is sugar, but its glycemic index is lower than white sugar, it contains healthy nutrients, if made locally, it can decrease or eliminate your allergies and it is self-limiting.
I would recommend eliminating such bars from your children's diet, completely, if not your own.
<ahref=http://fixdhealthcare.
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
"Cancer Survivors Send Distress Call"
The February 6, issue of the Medscape Oncology News, published a study in which the researchers found that fewer than 50% of healthcare practitioners provided psychosocial support to cancer treatment survivors.
It appears that just about the majority of cancer treatment patients are left to their own devices when it comes to coping with the emotional stress connected to both the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. Lack of information or skills necessary to manage the cancer; emotional problems such as anxiety and/or depression; a lack of transportation or other resources; and, disruptions to work, school or family life are believed to contribute to poor adherence to therapy protocols and a slower return to health.
It is considered a necessary standard of care to offer psychosocial support to all patients who have been given the "cancer" diagnosis. I was very surprised to find out that this support is either thought not to be important or, at least, of some value, by many in the medical community. The head researcher made much the same observation. Are we still in the Middle Ages when it comes to understanding the importance of emotional support and health? It would appear so. How very sad.
<ahref=http://fixdhealthcare.
It appears that just about the majority of cancer treatment patients are left to their own devices when it comes to coping with the emotional stress connected to both the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. Lack of information or skills necessary to manage the cancer; emotional problems such as anxiety and/or depression; a lack of transportation or other resources; and, disruptions to work, school or family life are believed to contribute to poor adherence to therapy protocols and a slower return to health.
It is considered a necessary standard of care to offer psychosocial support to all patients who have been given the "cancer" diagnosis. I was very surprised to find out that this support is either thought not to be important or, at least, of some value, by many in the medical community. The head researcher made much the same observation. Are we still in the Middle Ages when it comes to understanding the importance of emotional support and health? It would appear so. How very sad.
<ahref=http://fixdhealthcare.
Monday, February 17, 2014
Do this one simple thing, everday to decrease Stress...
Research shows that hugging increases our levels of oxytocin...a chemical released in response to happy emotions and real human connection. Oxytocin has been shown to decrease stress, which helps to protect us against heart disease, anxiety and depression. I include the following url which says it all! Enjoy.
http://ow.ly/i/4vQjl
Friday, February 14, 2014
The Benefits of Hemp
First, let me clarify something...the food-source hemp that I'm referring to does NOT contain cannabis. So, no one need fear that potential problem.
Secondly, hemp seeds, nuts, oil and protein powder are almost a perfect food. Hemp contains many minerals and vitamins and the nuts are 78% essential fatty acids, which make them a much better source if omega fats than fish-based sources. I was gratified to see that the medical world is starting to take note of this fantastic food.
The Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry published an article in which scientists from the University of Seville, Spain, tested the possible benefits of hemp. The following beneficial substances were found:
• Sterols. Steroid alcohols that help to lower cholesterol and lower the risk of heart attack.
• A-linolenic acid. An omega-3 fatty acid that has been shown to prevent coronary heart disease.
• Phytol. One of the alcohols contained in the oil sample, has been associated with anticancer benefits and is found in raw vegetables.
• Tocopherol. An antioxidant that can help prevent Alzheimer’s. Hempseed oil has also been shown to benefit dermotological disorders and is high in vitamin A, C, E, and beta-carotene, and rich in phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, sulfur, and calcium.
Hemp nuts are not only tasty, especially on salads, but also are a wonderful source of minerals, vitamins and omega fatty acids. The oil should be used in its raw state.
<ahref=http://fixdhealthcare.
Secondly, hemp seeds, nuts, oil and protein powder are almost a perfect food. Hemp contains many minerals and vitamins and the nuts are 78% essential fatty acids, which make them a much better source if omega fats than fish-based sources. I was gratified to see that the medical world is starting to take note of this fantastic food.
The Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry published an article in which scientists from the University of Seville, Spain, tested the possible benefits of hemp. The following beneficial substances were found:
• Sterols. Steroid alcohols that help to lower cholesterol and lower the risk of heart attack.
• A-linolenic acid. An omega-3 fatty acid that has been shown to prevent coronary heart disease.
• Phytol. One of the alcohols contained in the oil sample, has been associated with anticancer benefits and is found in raw vegetables.
• Tocopherol. An antioxidant that can help prevent Alzheimer’s. Hempseed oil has also been shown to benefit dermotological disorders and is high in vitamin A, C, E, and beta-carotene, and rich in phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, sulfur, and calcium.
Hemp nuts are not only tasty, especially on salads, but also are a wonderful source of minerals, vitamins and omega fatty acids. The oil should be used in its raw state.
<ahref=http://fixdhealthcare.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Do You have Osteoarthritis? Then, eat this...
The December 13, issue of Arthritis & Rheumatology reports that sulforaphanes have been shown to block inflammation ( Prostaglandin 2s) and protect against cartilage destruction both in cells in the lab and in animals.
Would I suggest those of you suffering from this type of arthritis go right out and buy supplements containing these phytochemicals? No, not really. We need to remember that there are numerous phytonutrients in foods that are either eliminated or reduced when manufacturers get their hands on the vegetables. We simply do not know which of the nutrients are necessary for full utilization by the body.
My recommendation for anyone with osteoarthritis is to include the following sulforaphane-containing cruciferous vegetables in their daily diet....broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts (my favorite), cabbage, bok choi, cres and other such dark green leafy vegies.
<ahref=http://fixdhealthcare.
Would I suggest those of you suffering from this type of arthritis go right out and buy supplements containing these phytochemicals? No, not really. We need to remember that there are numerous phytonutrients in foods that are either eliminated or reduced when manufacturers get their hands on the vegetables. We simply do not know which of the nutrients are necessary for full utilization by the body.
My recommendation for anyone with osteoarthritis is to include the following sulforaphane-containing cruciferous vegetables in their daily diet....broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts (my favorite), cabbage, bok choi, cres and other such dark green leafy vegies.
<ahref=http://fixdhealthcare.
Thursday, February 6, 2014
What nutrients do we need to keep our Brains sharp?
As our bodies age, so do our brains. As such, we need to make certain to feed our brains with the nutrients it needs to maintain its health and optimal function.
First and foremost, our brain needs the proper amount of sugar to maintain its energy needs..."Sugar!" you say. Yes....our body converts one molecule of glucose (food is broken down via glycolosis in the liver) into two molecules of adenosine triphosphatase (ATP)...the only molecule the body can utilize for the necessary energy needed to "run" our bodies. How does the body get enough sugar? By eating the correct foods. If we eat the correct proteins, complex carbohydrates and fats, the brain will receive a sufficient amount of energy by the body maintaining a steady blood glucose level. Do we need to eat added sugar in order for our brains to be sufficiently nourished? No, sorry...in fact, added sugars interfere with optimal brain function.
Eating food in its most nearly natural state (organic, too) can usually ensure that we are getting the nutrients our brains need. It's also so important to eat a diet high in the correct fats, as the brain needs these in order to transmit the proper data to the rest of the body.
The following is a list of phytonutrients that we know benefit the brain:
CoQ-10, antioxidants (alpha lipoic acid, vitamins C, E and glutathione), Vitamin D, Ginko Biloba, flavinoids, B-vitamins, calcium/magnesium/potassium, DEA, EPA and amino acids.
Please remember that all nutrients are not created equally and that you don't need to supplement with all of the above if your diet consists of good quality foods and very little added sugar and/or prepared/empty calorie foods.
<ahref=http://fixdhealthcare.
First and foremost, our brain needs the proper amount of sugar to maintain its energy needs..."Sugar!" you say. Yes....our body converts one molecule of glucose (food is broken down via glycolosis in the liver) into two molecules of adenosine triphosphatase (ATP)...the only molecule the body can utilize for the necessary energy needed to "run" our bodies. How does the body get enough sugar? By eating the correct foods. If we eat the correct proteins, complex carbohydrates and fats, the brain will receive a sufficient amount of energy by the body maintaining a steady blood glucose level. Do we need to eat added sugar in order for our brains to be sufficiently nourished? No, sorry...in fact, added sugars interfere with optimal brain function.
Eating food in its most nearly natural state (organic, too) can usually ensure that we are getting the nutrients our brains need. It's also so important to eat a diet high in the correct fats, as the brain needs these in order to transmit the proper data to the rest of the body.
The following is a list of phytonutrients that we know benefit the brain:
CoQ-10, antioxidants (alpha lipoic acid, vitamins C, E and glutathione), Vitamin D, Ginko Biloba, flavinoids, B-vitamins, calcium/magnesium/potassium, DEA, EPA and amino acids.
Please remember that all nutrients are not created equally and that you don't need to supplement with all of the above if your diet consists of good quality foods and very little added sugar and/or prepared/empty calorie foods.
<ahref=http://fixdhealthcare.
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Women, Risk Factors and Cardiovascular Disease
A study published in this month's Rhode Island Medical Journal, seeks answers to the question of how women are affected by heart disease and it's associated risk factors. I found their conclusions very interesting.
The scientific consensus is that the following are risk factors for cardiovascular disease: smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol levels, activity levels, high blood pressure and obesity. I have to say that I have read many conflicting studies concerning the numbers that are associated with what constitutes high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and even obesity, but there is little debate as to the damage that is done to our heart, lungs, other organs and blood vessels as the result of smoking and diabetes.
Correlation between mortality from heart attacks in women was associated only with low HDL-levels and high non-HDL cholesterol levels, while in men, mortality was found to be correlated with: high LDL and non-HDL levels and low HDL levels. So, ladies, getting your HDL-2 levels up and lowering those LDL, VLDL levels will greatly reduce our risk of heart disease, our number one killer.
Triglyceride levels in women are more of an indicator for mortality from heart disease than in men. It appears that we women are more affected by increases in TG levels, more so than cholesterol levels.
Both diabetes and smoking are more potent risk factors of mortality in women than in men...we need to cut down on the white foods and cut out the smoking as immediate preventative measures. Men are still affected by these risk factors, but women are simply more susceptible than men.
Sedentary lifestyles and obesity are risk factors in both genders. The latest in thinking is that we need to move and get our heart rates up...about 80% of our maximum heart rate for our age is the goal, as well as just getting up and moving more. Decreasing our total weight by as little as 10% has been shown to be extremely beneficial to our cardiovascular system as well as our well being.
We women need to be very mindful of all of these findings as our mortality rate after a heart attack has been statistically shown to be as much as twice that of men. When we get a heart attack, it's much more serious and we frequently die as a result.
If you'd like to read the entire 4 page article, here is the url: http://www.rimed.org/rimedicaljournal/2014/02/2014-02-19-cvd-roberts.pdf
The scientific consensus is that the following are risk factors for cardiovascular disease: smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol levels, activity levels, high blood pressure and obesity. I have to say that I have read many conflicting studies concerning the numbers that are associated with what constitutes high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and even obesity, but there is little debate as to the damage that is done to our heart, lungs, other organs and blood vessels as the result of smoking and diabetes.
Correlation between mortality from heart attacks in women was associated only with low HDL-levels and high non-HDL cholesterol levels, while in men, mortality was found to be correlated with: high LDL and non-HDL levels and low HDL levels. So, ladies, getting your HDL-2 levels up and lowering those LDL, VLDL levels will greatly reduce our risk of heart disease, our number one killer.
Triglyceride levels in women are more of an indicator for mortality from heart disease than in men. It appears that we women are more affected by increases in TG levels, more so than cholesterol levels.
Both diabetes and smoking are more potent risk factors of mortality in women than in men...we need to cut down on the white foods and cut out the smoking as immediate preventative measures. Men are still affected by these risk factors, but women are simply more susceptible than men.
Sedentary lifestyles and obesity are risk factors in both genders. The latest in thinking is that we need to move and get our heart rates up...about 80% of our maximum heart rate for our age is the goal, as well as just getting up and moving more. Decreasing our total weight by as little as 10% has been shown to be extremely beneficial to our cardiovascular system as well as our well being.
We women need to be very mindful of all of these findings as our mortality rate after a heart attack has been statistically shown to be as much as twice that of men. When we get a heart attack, it's much more serious and we frequently die as a result.
If you'd like to read the entire 4 page article, here is the url: http://www.rimed.org/rimedicaljournal/2014/02/2014-02-19-cvd-roberts.pdf
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