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Conferences & Events
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Mushroom-Derived Compound Boosts Immune System Function in the Elderly
Immune system function tends to diminish with advancing age, leaving many elderly people more susceptible to influenza, common colds, and pneumonia, as well as various cancers. A new study shows Active Hexose Correlated Compound (AHCC), a mushroom-derived compound used in Japan as an adjunct in treatment of cancer and hepatitis, can boost T-cell mediated immune function in otherwise healthy elders.
Vol. 9, No. 3. Fall, 2008
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The Clinical Picture of Hypothyroidism
Thyroid hormone plays a central role in energy metabolism and immune competence. Accurate diagnosis and treatment of hypothyroidism is essential to restoring health. But most physicians rely too much on questionably reliable blood tests, and not enough on what their eyes and their patients are telling them. This photo gallery, compiled by Roby Mitchell, MD, reveals the common clinical signs of hypothyroidism.
Vol. 9, No. 3. Fall, 2008
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Making Sense of Bioidentical Hormones
Use of bioidentical hormones - estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone derived from plants such as soy or yam - has grown rapidly over the last decade. According to a new FDA rule, claims that bioidentical hormones are safer or more effective than conventional HRT are false and misleading. The issue has become one of the hottest women's health controversies.
Vol. 9, No. 3. Fall, 2008
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Black Cohosh Compares Favorably With Drug Therapy for Menopausal Symptoms
In the first head to head comparison of a botanical therapy versus a drug for management of menopausal symptoms, a standardized formulation of Black Cohosh was equally effective as tibolone, a drug widely used in Europe and Asia; the herbal formula had fewer adverse effects. Pycnogenol, an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory derived from the bark of French Maritime Pine trees, can reduce menopausal symptoms while improving women’s lipid profiles.
Vol. 9, No. 3. Fall, 2008
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Ribose Supplementation Improves Heart Surgery Outcomes
For the better part of 10 years, Dr. David Perkowski, a cardiac surgeon in Orange, CA, has been giving his patients D-ribose supplements prior to heart surgery. He has found it improves cardiac output by 35%-40%, even in very ill patients, greatly speeds recovery time, and reduces risk of death. So, why isn't ribose supplementation standard practice in cardiology?
Vol. 9, No. 2. Summer, 2008
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Metabolic Cardiology: Solving the Heart's Energy Crisis
A new vanguard of "metabolic" cardiologists contends that cholesterol elevation has been overstated as a cause of heart disease, and that physicians should pay more attention to the heart muscle itself. A quartet of nutrients magnesium, co-enzyme Q10, L-carnitine, and D-ribose can profoundly improve the heart's pumping ability and reduce risk of death, even in very ill patients.
Vol. 9, No. 2. Summer, 2008
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Medical Aromatherapy Offers Safe, Patient-Friendly Tools to Treat Memory Impairment
Essential oils of Sage, Lavender, Rosemary and a number of other aromatic medicinal plants contain compounds that have direct stimulatory effects on memory formation, while at the same time helping to reduce stress, a major contributor to memory loss.
Vol. 9, No. 1. Spring, 2008
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Can Vitamin D & Calcium Reduce Diabetes Risk?
A recent metanalysis by Tufts researchers shows a clear correlation between vitamin D deficiency and increased likelihood of type 2 diabetes. The data also suggest that combined supplementation with vitamin D and calcium may prevent progression to diabetes in high-risk individuals.
Vol. 9, No. 1. Spring, 2008
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D, C and CVD: New Studies Correlate Deficiencies with Cardiovascular Risk
Two new studies provide fresh data showing that deficiencies in vitamin D and vitamin C are strongly associated with increased risk of myocardial infarction and stroke. The big-and still unanswered question---is whether supplementing with these vitamins will reduce that risk.
Vol. 9, No. 1. Spring, 2008
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New Data Reveal Anti-Inflammatory, Cartilage-Sparing Effect of Shea Extract in Osteoarthritis
A new study of 89 people with osteoarthritis shows that a triterpene extract from Shea nut butter can markedly reduce inflammation and collagen breakdown, leading to improvement in symptoms and better joint function.
Vol. 8, No. 4. Winter, 2007
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Going Against the Flow: Botanical Allies Help Mitigate Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence is common, and incidence will only increase as the population ages. Conventional drugs often have unwanted side-effects. Fortunately, there are a number of herbal allies like rosehips, saw palmetto, and teasel, as well as homeopathic remedies that can help strengthen urinary tract smooth muscle and reduce involuntary urine flow.
Vol. 8, No. 3. Fall, 2007
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Confronting the Challenge of Polypharmacy
Polypharmacy, the progressive piling on of medications, is one of the biggest unspoken public health threats facing the nation. Simply put, more meds means more adverse events and drug interactions. The problem is only going to grow as the Boomer generation ages, unless physicians and patients work together to use medications more judiciously.
Vol. 8, No. 2. Summer, 2007
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Angelica Extract Brings New Mechanism to Bear on Alzheimer's Disease
In the 100 years since Dr. Alois Alzheimer described the devastating brain disease that bears his name, neurologists have learned a lot about the disease process, but there have been few treatment advances. Korean researchers have found that substances from Angelica gigans, an Asian medicinal plant, reduces amyloid plaque formation and improve cognitive function in people with early Alzheimer's disease.
Vol. 8, No. 2. Summer, 2007
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The Vascular Roots of Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the end result of the same disease process that leads to atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction, according to Dr. Phil Cheras, an Australian investigator whose research shows that the vessels supplying the joints in patients with osteoarthritis become blocked with blood clots and lipid droplets. The good news is that triterpene compounds derived from the African shea nut can reverse this process in many patients with this devastating disease.
Vol. 8, No. 1. Spring, 2007
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Are Bisphosphonates Really Necessary for Osteoporosis Prevention?
Recent reports of jaw osteonecrosis have marred the reputation of these anti-osteoporosis drugs. The reality is, for most early menopausal women, they are unnecessary. Many women will do just fine with dietary modifications, calcium and mineral supplementation, and exercise. A recent metanalysis suggests that Vitamin K may be better and safer than the bisphosphonates.
Vol. 8, No. 1. Spring, 2007
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Nutrition, Natural Products & Arthritis
Glucosamine and chondroitin may be the most popular natural products for treating arthritis, but they're not the only ones. Zyflamend, LitoZin, Pycnogenol and Limbrel can also provide safe, effective treatment for osteoarthritis.
Vol. 7, No. 1. Spring, 2006
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The GAIT Trial: Glucosamine-Chrondroitin Hit Their Stride for Severe Osteoarthritis
Data from the long awaited Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT), one of the largest nutritional supplement studies ever undertaken, shows that while this combination of natural products did not offer too much help for patients with mild arthritis, it outperformed celecoxib (Celebrex) in people with the most severe disease.
Vol. 7, No. 1. Spring, 2006
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Healthy Diet May Reduce Risk of Alzheimer's Disease
The same low-fat, vegetable and fruit-rich diet that prevents heart disease also reduces the risk of Alzheimer's disease. The good news is that diet appears to have the greatest preventive impact in people at the highest genetic risk for Alzheimer's.
Vol. 1, No. 1. October 15, 2000
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Simple Solutions for Common Nutrient Deficiencies
Many people who end up in doctors' offices have nutritional deficiencies, including deficiencies in protein, B vitamins, and magnesium that markedly impact their overall health status. These deficiencies are easily reversed, if only physicians would think about them.
Vol. 1, No. 1. October 15, 2000
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Elevated Homocysteine Raises Stroke Specter
Epidemiologically, elevated homocysteine levels are correlated with increased risk of stroke. But on an individual basis, it is difficult to know when someone's homocysteine measurement is signaling an increased likelihood of stroke.
Vol. 2, No. 2. April 15, 2001
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Dietary Supplements in Children: Parents Rush in Where Researchers Fear to Tread
Don't expect too much help from federal authorities when trying to figure out what supplements your child might need. Though there are mountains of scientific studies on childhood nutrition, there is little consensus on how to apply that data in a practical way for optimal childhood nutrition. Parents, undaunted by the lack f "official" guidance, are figuring it all out for themselves.
Vol. 2, No. 2. April 15, 2001
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Optimizing the Use of Cardiovascular Herbs
Garlic, Capsicum, Hawthorn, and Ginkgo are among a number of herbs that can help in preventing or treating cardiovascular disease. Judicious use of these herbs can eliminate the need for expensive medications in many cases. Paul Saunders, ND, PhD, offers his extensive experience using herbs for heart health.
Vol. 3, No. 3. October 15, 2002
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Petition Urges FDA to Mandate CoQ10 Recommendation on Statin Labels
Statins are very effective at reducing LDL and total cholesterol, but they also deplete coenzyme Q10, a naturally occurring substance that is essential for normal muscle and heart function. Citing evidence that a major statin manufacturer knew the risks in the early '90s but took no action, Dr. Julian Whitaker sent a petition to the FDA to put a black box warning on all statin labels stating the dangers of CoQ10 depletion.
Vol. 3, No. 3. October 15, 2002
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CoQ10 and Parkinson's
Coenzyme Q10, widely known for its cardiovascular benefits, can slow the progression of Parkinson's disease, according to a recent clinical trial. While there are no data showing that CoQ10 can prevent Parkinson's, it does improve an affected individual's ability to carry on daily activities and maintain independence.
Vol. 4, No. 1. January, 2003
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Drug Induced Nutrient Depletions
Many commonly used pharmaceuticals produce depletions of important nutrients that, over time, lead to side-effects, diminished overall nutritional status, and poor health. Fortunately, these depletions are usually correctable with judicious use of supplements. This first in a series of charts addressing this topic reviews depletions associated with common cardiovascular drugs, and the appropriate nutrient dosing needed to reverse the problem.
Vol. 4, No. 2. April, 2003
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Drug Induced Nutrient Depletions
The second part in our series of charts describing nutrient depletions caused by commonly used pharmaceuticals. This chart covers hormone replacement, oral contraceptives, and various classes of antibiotics.
Vol. 4, No. 3. July, 2003
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Drug Induced Nutrient Depletions
Many commonly used drugs deplete essential nutrients, meaning that individuals taking a lot of medications may be compromising their nutritional status. Fortunately, these depletions are easy to correct with judicious use of supplements. This chart, the third in our series, reviews the nutrient-depletions associated with common drugs for diabetes, ulcers, and psychiatric disorders.
Vol. 4, No. 4. Winter, 2003
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Pycnogenol-Nattokinase Combo Prevents In-Flight Venous Thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis during long airline flights is far more common than many people realize. Diabetes, obesity, heart disease, smoking and chronic fatigue all increase risk. Fortunately, a new combination of nattokinase, a soy-derived enzyme, and pycnogenol, a natural clot-buster from French maritime pine trees, can markedly reduce incidence of this often-deadly condition.
Vol. 5, No. 1. Spring, 2004
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Antioxidants During Chemotherapy Spur Controversy
Do antioxidant vitamins help or hinder conventional cancer treatments? The science on this topic is incomplete and there are strong opinions on both sides. The reality is there may not be a clear-cut single answer. Antioxidants may be extremely helpful in some types of cancer, in combination with some forms of chemo or radiotherapy, but detrimental in others.
Vol. 1, No. 2. December 15, 2000
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