In This Issue:
Dear Readers,
Welcome to the September 2006 True North Tune- Up. We continue to emphasize “up stream” strategies for health in the areas of nutrition, mind-body, and lifestyle. The studies are from peer-reviewed scientific journals. (Except when I put in a plug for The Omnivore’s Dilemma.)
To your health,
B. Joseph Semmes, MD
Director of Research, True North
Diplomate, American Board of Internal Medicine
bjsemmes@truenorthhealthcenter.org.
Higher dietary copper is associated with cognitive decline in those with high saturated and trans fat diets.
This well-designed study followed 3700 Chicagoans over age 65 for 6 years. Among those with a diet high in saturated and trans fats, the highest quintile (1/5th) had the equivalent of 19 years of mental aging compared to the lowest 1/5th of copper consumers. Many of those adversely affected were taking daily multivitamins with copper. Copper is found in animal organs like liver. Tap water in pipes than contain copper are another potential source.
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Qi Gong support bone marrow and immunity in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
A succinct analysis by Bandolier (a favorite evidence-based medicine group at Oxford University, UK) looked at nine published studies about lifestyle interventions and diabetes. The graphs are at first glance complicated, but nifty in that each circle corresponds to the number of people in the study and the further they are located to the lower right, away from the diagonal line, the more favorable the results. Over 10 years, one cuts the risk of developing diabetes in half by ”eating fruits and vegetables, having a good walk and perhaps enjoying a nice glass of wine when you get back.”
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Organic fruits and vegetables may have more health-promoting polyphenols, not just fewer pesticides, than their industrially grown counterparts.
Treatment with acupuncture in addition to routine care was significantly better at reducing pain among 14,000 Germans with neck pain for longer than six months.
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Enter "Asami DK" in the search bar after “for”.
A 2006 Swedish study showed that polyphenols in strawberries inhibit colon and breast cancer cells (in the lab); and that organic strawberries are more effective than those conventionally grown.
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Air fresheners may cause lung damage.
Over 20 million Americans suffer from osteoarthritis; and Americans spent $730 million in 2004 on these products. Over 1500 people were studied. Overall, there were no differences between the supplements and placebo, though a small group with moderate to severe pain did get significant relief. The group was so small that the results are considered preliminary.
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STAY “TUNED”!
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Disclaimer:
Information provided in the True North Tune-Up is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The information and links in this e-publication are intended to provide general education on the topics listed, but you should not use the information or links to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare practitioner. True North advises you to always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health practitioner prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
