Month: May 2014
Glutathione: Physiological and Clinical Relevance
As the risk of exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) grows, research is looking at the role of glutathione and modulating disease risk. Joe Pizzorno ND and Joseph Katizinger ND review glutathione (GSH) and how altered GSH status has been implicated in a number of chronic, acute, and age-related diseases, as well as the aging process itself. In this review, the authors briefly describe glutathione physiology and the clinical implications of altered GSH homeostasis, as well as research on the use of various forms of glutathione as a therapeutic strategy. By Joe Pizzorno ND and Joseph Katzinger, ND, published in J of Restorative Medicine, Vol. 1, No. 1
Breast Cancer and DNA Repair Capacity: Multivitamin & Calcium Supplements
Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer in women, with over 1 million new cases diagnosed
every year worldwide. Over recent decades, considerable interest has emerged regarding whether vitamins and/or other supplements can lower the risk of BC. However, previous epidemiologic studies that investigated the association between intake of multivitamin and supplements of single vitamins and minerals and BC risk have reported conflicting results. Whether vitamins can actually reduce BC risk is still controversial. This study examined whether multivitamin and calcium use was associated with BC incidence and DNA repair capacity (DRC).
Most comprehensive global study to date shows obesity rates climbing worldwide
Experts warn that the substantial rises in obesity rates across the world warrant concerted to reverse a troubling trend. More than half of the world’s 671 million obese individuals live in just ten countries—the USA (more than 13%), China and India (15% combined), Russia, Brazil, Mexico, Egypt, Germany , Pakistan, and Indonesia, and (listed in order of number of obese individuals). Worldwide, there has been a startling increase in rates of obesity and overweight in both adults (28% increase) and children (up by 47%) in the past 33 years, with the number of overweight and obese people rising from 857 million in 1980 to 2.1 billion in 2013, according to a major new analysis from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2013, published in The Lancet.
Palmitoleic Acid Research Review
Within the world of essential fatty acids, a significant amount of interest is reserved for omega 3s and specifically for eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Another omega is gaining prominence called omega-7 (n-7), a palmitoleic acid also known for supporting cardiovascular health. When researchers look at the cardio-value of the Mediterranean diet, they see a complex interaction between multiple fatty acids, including omega-3s, omega-6s, omega-9s and omega-7s. The balance of these fats is crucial for overall wellness and longevity. The focus for this slideshow is palmitoleic, a lesser known but the fifth most commonly abundant fatty acid in the body. This is a review of the most recent research on Omega-7s.
Apathy Aside, Six Factors to Reducing Global Health Risks
The biggest threat to global health and wellness can be narrowed down to six, preventable non-communicable diseases: respiratory illness from tobacco use, harmful alcohol use, salt intake, high blood pressure and blood sugar, and obesity. According to a May 2014 Lancet study, if nations could reduce target levels for these lifestyle related diseases in the next 25 years, 37 million early deaths would be prevented. But by not reaching these targets, an additional 10.5 million deaths would occur as compared to the 28.3 million who died in 2010. And while experts say this could be possible, critics say apathy from leadership is the biggest obstacle to achieving the desired target.
Molecular Secrets Discovered for Resveratrol’s Health Benefits
Resveratrol has been much in the news as the component of grapes and red wine associated with reducing “bad cholesterol,” heart disease and some types of cancer. Also found in blueberries, cranberries, mulberries, peanuts and pistachios, resveratrol is associated with beneficial health effects in aging, inflammation and metabolism. Scientists from the Florida campus of The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) have now identified one of the molecular pathways that resveratrol uses to achieve its beneficial action.
Prenatal Exposure to Flame Retardants Linked to IQ and ADHD
Prenatal exposure to flame retardants may be as concerning as lead exposure to children’s brain development. A new study involving Simon Fraser University researchers has found that prenatal exposure to flame retardants can be significantly linked to lower IQs and greater hyperactivity in five-year-old children. The findings are published onlineRead
Dear Doctor, #PleaseTextMe
Reminder: Plz take your meds. How r u feeling 2day? These aren’t texts from Mom, they are from physicians. Text messaging in health care started with routine appointment reminders. Today, evidence shows patients prefer to receive texts and updates from their health-care providers. Physicians report text messaging can influence health behavior and decisions and save time for health care providers. With better compliance outcomes and time savings, why aren’t you texting your patients? Download a free white paper for more on mobile technology and practice management.
