Suthin Liptawat

Alcoholism: A disease of the body, thinking, emotions and spirit

2008-01-07T21:31:16-05:00

I have found the following article very interesting and informative.

ALCOHOLISM IS A FOUR FOLD PROGRESSIVE DISEASE

Alcoholism is a disease of the body, thinking, emotions and spirit. Progressive damage to these four aspectsinteract in various ways such that a person is increasingly compelled to drink. Also, once drinking starts they cannot "always" guarantee when they will stop or how much they will drink. Alcoholism is a disease of the body, thinking,emotions and spirit. Progressive damage to these four aspects interact in various ways such that a person is increasingly compelled to drink. Also, once drinking starts they cannot "always" guarantee when they will stop or how much they will drink.

The Body
A genetic predisposition. Fifty percent of alcoholics have an inherited genetic makeup that almost guaranteed they would become alcoholic when they began to drink heavily. For example, the brain chemistry of some children or grandchildren of alcoholics actually encourages heavier drinking.

Alcohol Metabolism. Alcohol is metabolized differently by some people. As a result the body and brain requires more alcohol to have the same effect than normal drinkers would need.

Cell alteration. All heavy drinkers undergo changes at the cellular level of the brain. Where the brain cells meet extra receptor positions grow to receive the heavy dose of alcohol related chemical messengers. When not drinking these extra receptor positions demand to be filled thus creating a craving for alcohol.

Brain damage. Alcohol, in any quantity, is poisonous to brain cells and kills off cells in their millions. The most critically affected parts of the brain are those that deal with short term memory, decision making and rational thinking. Women heavy drinkers develop brain damage with less drinking than men.

Liver Damage. The most common liver disease of alcoholics is cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver. This disease results in reduced and corrupted chemicals being sent to the body which can result in damage to other organs. Women suffer liver damage with less alcohol consumption than men.

Alcoholic Hepatitis (AH). AH is caused by other liver diseases most notably cirrhosis of the liver. More than 60% of persons who develop both AH and cirrhosis will die within four years. AH can cause changes in sleep patterns, mood, and personality; psychiatric conditions such as anxiety and depression; shortened attention span; and problems with coordination may occur.

Brain Chemicals. The body and especially the brain relies on the liver to filter important body fluids and excrete wastes. As a result of contaminated chemistry from a damaged liver the brain does not function properly. Typically a person will have cloudy and slowed thinking.

Heart Damage. Heavy drinking causes damage to the heart muscles. The heart pumps less blood and an abnormal heart beat may develop. Women suffer heart damage with less alcohol consumed than men.

Skeletal Muscles. Heavy drinking causes muscles in the arms and legs to shrink. For example, an alcoholic may have legs that are out of proportion, skinnier, than the rest of their body. Sufferers may become embarrassed about their body shape.

Cancer. The risk of cancer increases with greater alcohol consumption ? more so in women. Cancer can develop in the upper airways, the liver, breasts and the bowels.

Sexual Organs and Sexuality. Heavy alcohol use shrinks the testicles. In men and women the breasts grow larger. Men produce more female hormones and women produce more male hormones. Men become less virile and women become less feminine. As a result a persons sexuality and libido is altered.

They may sense change in their sexuality and over compensate by becoming more sexually active. Indiscriminate or intoxicated sexual activity raises the risk of getting sexually transmitted diseases.

Thinking
As detailed before various damaged body organs and altered chemistry affect how the brain thinks.
This buildup of thinking changes occurs over an extended time period. These small changes are usually unseen by the sufferer. The person reacts by adjusting their reasoning and behavior to accommodate their new ways of thinking. Alcoholics always adjust their thinking in ways that are harmful to themselves. And further, they cannot see the impact of their new coping style.

Typically they begin to adopt a siege mentality. Inner-self feedback, and from other people, indicates they are not quite at one with their ?inner? selves or the person they once were. Their experiences seem to paint a picture to the sufferer that people around them are against them, or are better than them, or are just different from themselves. They become insecure, angry, ashamed, depressed and anxious about their altered attitudes and actions.

This siege mentality generates a self-centered perspective to protect their self concept. They become takers and non-givers. ?I want what I want and I want it now?, sort of thing; ?I need a drink, now?; regardless of the needs of others. And, when they do not get it they assert themselves even more, becoming more demanding as the disease progresses.

Alcoholics will increasingly try to cope by drinking more alcohol to take away the pain of their perception of being isolated in thinking and behavior. They slowly adopt a denial attitude to their real condition, which they eventually believe is reality for them.

The alcoholic drinks more due to a different brain chemistry and metabolism, has craving for more alcohol due to cell alteration and organ damage, and drinks more to cope with the effects of their changed thinking and behavior. They are drinking to feel normal.

The Emotions
From the above it can easily be seen that their emotions become strained and twisted. They become emotionally dependent on achieving and keeping a state of denial of their true situation. They deny it to themselves and others. If their alcoholism is in threat of being exposed or their alcohol supply is threatened they may protect themselves with anger, bluff, self-pity, manipulation, depression, running away etc.

They "feel" as if they must continue their current emotional and thinking stance at all costs. Alcohol has become their"best friend and they are loyal to it.

The Spirit
The spirit of a person is the centre of their personality. If, as seen above, the person is not thinking, feeling or acting as their true self would, not aligned with their spiritual self, they are spiritually ill at ease; or dis-eased.

A Solution
The progression of the disease must be arrested by stopping drinking and restoration of health in all four areas - body, thinking, emotions and spirit.

It is the dis-eased spiritual state that is targeted by the most successful treatment service world wide ? Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Through the Twelve Steps of recovery each person finds their inner, spiritual self by stripping away the effects of alcoholism and fixing up the wreckage of past thinking and actions. They begin to live a life of freedom from alcohol that has had them enslaved.

More information at; www.BriefTSF.com and www.SoberIsSexy.com

Water Filter

2008-01-02T19:37:37-05:00

Water is basically what we and everything around us is made from. Our planet is 80% H2O. Our atmosphere is made of billions of droplets of this fluid and therefore the sky is full of it and water comes to us from there. Our oceans and lakes outnumber our land by a great vast amount.

Our bodies are 70%-90% water.

We abuse everything on our planet and mostly our wet resources. Since everything around us including our bodies are mainly H2O based we use it to clean ourselves and our clothes and surroundings.

My basic thoughts are I need to have a water filter rather than be a one. Think about it. If I consume the junk that is called our water system without thoroughly cleaning it I become the filter and my body suffers the consequences. Remember it is life and we want to live a healthy lifestyle.

I tell all my family these reasons and show them that this straight from the faucet and the contaminants in it and the tests to show what is in their H20. They are usually disgusted with the outcome and want to immediately get a filter and usually want one for more for their home like their shower, laundry and other uses.

I have a PUR water filter on my faucet and use it mainly for drinking but after discovering the stuff that we are showering with and what our clothes are washed in I would like a whole house filter for my family. Brita makes good filters as do many other companies now coming on the market such as Aquasana, Pelican and many more.

There is lead in drinking it and that leads to learning disorders in children. Many weight loss programs are based around drinking 10 glasses of water daily. Watch out for the bottled water as it may not be as pure as you think it is.

Get the facts about water filters.

Here you can get more information on whole house water filters and more.

Lesa Bolt is a contributor to http://waterfilters.learn-about-it.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lesa_Bolt

I agree with the author of this artcle. Currently I am using water filters for drinking water(faucet in the kitchen and the refrigerator).

Vitamin B12 Injections To Fight Alzheimer's Disease

2007-12-25T14:59:20-05:00

Vitamin B12 helps maintain healthy nerve cells and red blood cells. It is also needed to help make DNA, the genetic material in all cells. Vitamin B12 is also called cobalamin because it contains the metal cobalt

Vitamin B12 is bound to the protein in food. Hydrochloric acid in the stomach releases vitamin B12 from proteins in foods during digestion. Once released, vitamin B12 combines with a substance called intrinsic factor (IF). This complex can then be absorbed by the intestinal tract.

Vitamin B12 is naturally found in foods that come from animals, including fish, meat, poultry, eggs, milk, and milk products. Fortified breakfast cereals are a particularly valuable source of vitamin B12 for vegetarians.

Arthur Winter,M.D., coauthor of the book Smart Food, reports that Vitamin B12 injections can fight Alzheimer's disease, depression and panic disorders

Vitamin B12 deficiency can occur as a result of an inability to absorb vitamin B12 from food and in strict vegetarian. As a general rule, most individuals who develop a vitamin B12 deficiency have an underlying stomach or intestinal disorder that limits the absorption of vitamin B12. Sometimes the only symptom of these intestinal disorders is subtly reduced cognitive function resulting from early vitamin B12 deficiency. Anemia and dementia follow later.

Signs and symptoms, associated with vitamin B12 deficiency include anemia, fatigue, weakness, constipation, loss of appetite, and weight loss.

Vitamin B12 deficiency also can lead to neurological changes such as numbness and tingling in the hands and feet.

Additional symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency are difficulty in maintaining balance, depression, confusion, dementia, poor memory, and soreness of the mouth or tongue.

Many of these symptoms are very general and can result from a variety of medical conditions other than vitamin B12 deficiency. It is important to have a physician evaluate these symptoms so that appropriate medical care can be given.

Individuals with pernicious anemia or with gastrointestinal disorders may benefit from or require a vitamin B12 supplement.

Older adults and vegetarians may benefit from a vitamin B12 supplement or an increased intake of foods fortified with vitamin B12.
Some medications may decrease absorption of vitamin B12. Chronic use of those medications may result in a need for additional vitamin.

Hydrochloric acid helps release vitamin B12 from the protein in food. This must occur before vitamin B12 binds with intrinsic factor and is absorbed in the intestines. Atrophic gastritis, which is an inflammation of the stomach, decreases the secretion of gastric juices, including hydrochloric acid. Less hydrochloric acid can result in poor absorption of vitamin B12. Decreased hydrochloric acid secretion also results in growth of normal bacteria in the small intestines. The bacteria may take up vitamin B12 for their own use, further contributing to a vitamin B12 deficiency.

Up to 30 percent of adults aged 50 years and older may have atrophic gastritis, an increased growth of intestinal bacteria, and be unable to normally absorb vitamin B12 in food. They are, however, able to absorb the synthetic vitamin B12 added to fortified foods and dietary supplements. Vitamin supplements and fortified foods may be the best sources of vitamin B12 for adults older than age 50 years.

Researchers have long been interested in the potential connection between vitamin B12 deficiency and dementia. A recent review examined correlations between cognitive skills, homocysteine levels, and blood levels of folate, vitamin B12 and vitamin B6. The authors suggested that vitamin B12 deficiency may decrease levels of substances needed for the metabolism of neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that transmit nerve signals. Reduced levels of neurotransmitters may result in cognitive impairment.

Proton Pump Inhibitor(PPI) medications can interfere with vitamin B12 absorption from food by slowing the release of hydrochloric acid into the stomach. This is a concern because hydrochloric acid is needed to release vitamin B12 from food prior to absorption. So far, however, there is no evidence that these medications promote vitamin B12 deficiency, even after long-term use.

Metformin, a drug to treat diabetes, may interfere with calcium metabolism This may indirectly reduce vitamin B12 absorption because vitamin B12 absorption requires calcium. Surveys suggest that from 10% to 30% of patients taking Metformin have evidence of reduced vitamin B12 absorption.

Folic acid can correct the anemia that is caused by vitamin B12 deficiency. Unfortunately, folic acid will not correct the nerve damage also caused by vitamin B12 deficiency [1,36]. Permanent nerve damage can occur if vitamin B12 deficiency is not treated. Folic acid intake from food and supplements should not exceed 1,000 μg daily in healthy individuals because large amounts of folic acid can trigger the damaging effects of vitamin B12 deficiency. Adults older than 50 years who take a folic acid supplement should ask their physician or qualified health care provider about their need for additional vitamin B12.

Ask your doctor if monthly Vitamin B12 injections would be a good idea for you .

Broccoli | Anticancer

2007-02-02T01:35:20-05:00

Broccoli contains the compound glucoraphanin, leading to an anticancer compound sulforaphane. Is it true? Find out below.

Broccoli is a plant of the Cabbage family, Brassicaceae (formerly Cruciferae). It is classified as the Italica Cultivar Group of the species Brassica oleracea. Other cultivar groups of Brassica oleracea include: cabbage (Capitata Group), cauliflower (Botrytis Group), kale and collard greens (Acephala Group), kohlrabi (Gongylodes Group), and Brussels sprouts (Gemmifera Group).

Chinese broccoli (Alboglabra Group) is also a cultivar group of Brassica oleracea. Broccoli most closely resembles its close relative cauliflower, but is green rather than white. Common varieties are Calabrese and purple sprouting broccoli.

Broccoli is a cool-weather crop that does poorly in hot summer weather. Broccoli possesses abundant fleshy green flower heads arranged in a tree-like fashion on branches sprouting from a thick, edible stalk. The large mass of flower heads is surrounded by leaves.

This food is low in Sodium, and very low in Cholesterol. It is also a good source of Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol), Vitamin B6, Iron, Phosphorus, Zinc and Copper, and a very good source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Thiamine, Riboflavin, Folate, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium and Manganese. See Nutrition Value below:

Nutritional Value:
Per 100 g Broccoli, raw (edible parts)

Energy 30 kcal 140 kJ
Carbohydrates 5 g
- Sugars 1.7 g
- Dietary fiber 6.64 g
Fat 0.37 g
Protein 2.82 g
Thiamin (Vit. B1) 0.071 mg 5%
Riboflavin (Vit. B2) 0.117 mg 8%
Niacin (Vit. B3) 0.639 mg 4%
Pantothenic acid (B5) 0.573 mg 11%
Vitamin B6 0.175 mg 13%
Folate (Vit. B9) 63 μg 16%
Vitamin C 89.2 mg 149%
Calcium 47 mg 5%
Iron 0.73 mg 6%
Magnesium 21 mg 6%
Phosphorus 66 mg 9%
Potassium 316 mg 7%
Zinc 0.41 mg 4%

Percentages are relative to US recommendations for adults. Source: USDA Nutrient database.

Back in 1992, Johns Hopkins University pharmacology professor Paul Talalay and his colleagues showed that sulforaphane could trigger the production of phase II enzymes. Phase II enzymes can detoxify cancer-causing chemicals and are among the most potent anti-cancer compounds known to man. The research team discovered that sulforaphane, kills the bacterium, Helicobacter pylori, in laboratory studies. The findings should lead quickly to clinical trials to see whether dietary intake of vegetables containing sulforaphane can relieve infection, the researchers say.

Helicobacter pylori, the bacterium that was recognized 20 years ago as the cause of debilitating stomach ulcers and somrtimes fatal stomach cancers. Even though the pure compound kills helicobacter efficiently, it remains to be seen whether dietary sources of sulforaphane (broccoli or broccoli sprouts, for instance) have similar effects.

Variants:

Broccoflower, is the result of a genetic cross between broccoli and cauliflower. Although its physical attributes resemble cauliflower, it has the color and flavor of broccoli. it is the hottest produce item to hit the market in recent years. I had broccoflower once and I like better than cauliflower because it tastes like broccoli.

Broccolini is NOT a genetically modified organism. It is a natural hybrid cross between broccoli and gai lan (Chinese Kale). Sweet with a subtle peppery edge in the stem, it is 100% edible and makes for elegant plate or salad presentations or stir-fried Chinese or Thai dishes. In some store it is called baby broccoli. It really tastes like a young or baby Chinese broccoli.

How to cook broccoli?

It is usually boiled or steamed, but may be eaten raw and has become popular as a raw vegetable in hors-d'oeuvre trays.

I usually prefer stir-fried Chinese broccoli.

One of my favorite broccoli dishes is stir-fry broccoli with chicken, white flat rice noodle, oyster sauce, soybean sauce, garlic, and olive oil. I am giving away my wife's secret ingredients here. It is so delicious. The trick is to cook the broccoli in such a way that it stays crispy. This is actually a Chinese dish but it went to so many modifications that there are also many Thai versions. I like the version mentioned above the most. Lately we replaces Chinese broccoli with broccolini because it tastes better especially when it is crispy.

How To Fight Childhood Obesity | A New Team Concept Borrowed From Diabetes Care

2006-12-31T17:39:54-05:00

Today's post is about childhood obesity. There is an alarming trend. It can be called an epidemic
for which if we do not control, it may decrease the life-expectancy of the American people. I also
compile a few important findings from recent scientific researches.

According to a survey of top health and fitness trends released by the American College of
Sports Medicine (ACSM) published in the November/December 2006 issue of ACSM's Health &
Fitness® Journal, Childhood Obesity ranks number 1. It is predicted that schools are unlikely
to increase time devoted to physical education or nutrition education. Providing physical
activity for kids may fall in the hands of the health/fitness industry along with fitness professionals.

About 80% of obese children become obese adult. Only 20% of obese adults were obese as children.
The above-mentioned trend and statistics should alert every family, school, teacher, physical-fitness educator, nutrition educator and physician to collaborate to buck this trend. It is a national priority.

I believe that the best starting point to combat this epidemic is at home. The parents must be educated about the danger of childhood obesity and then do something about it. How? Read on.

Parents should lead by example. They should learn more about healthy styles of living which include
healthy diet and nutrition practice, regular exercises and avoidance of other behaviors such excessive drinking, watching television or surfing the internet, to name only a few. During this setting-example period, parent should start educating their obese child without forcing the child to do the same.

What I am trying to say in the above paragraph is for parents to build Trust. Many children will not trust their parents because they are seeing examples of bad behaviors every day. They just don't know how to disagree with their parents. Without trust, parents will not have the Authority to guide or discipline their children. With trust, which has to be earned and no matter how long it will take, parents will then tell their child what to eat, how much to eat, and what bad behaviors to avoid, etc.

The next step is for the parents to take the child to see their primary care physician for a physical
examination and consultation for further education about how to reduce and maintain healthy weight.

The primary care physician role is very important. He or she should adapt the the team concept in treating diabetes mellitus. The parents and the child are the center of the team. The primary care physician is the team co-ordinator who will co-ordinate the care of the child obesity with other team members, such as nutritionist, physical fitness educator, and teacher. Other team members such as psychologist, phyisian specialist and social workers are optional depending on the indidual child's need.

Another important duty of the primary care physician is to guide the parent to obtain useful and reliable sources of educational materials.

This subject can be written as a How To..... at www.wikihow.com. Someone might have done that already.

Below are some recent researches about obesity, weight loss, weight control, sugary soft drinks and weight loss drugs.

Poor diet and physical activity were responsible for approximately 400,000 deaths second only to tobacco use. This was the top significant increase of 100,000 deaths from the year 1900. Journal Of American MedicalAssociation(JAMA), 2004.

Modest exercise Helps Prevent Weight Gains walking 30 minutes a day without change of diet habit.
Archives of InternalMedicine, Jan.12 2004.

Waist circumference can be used to predict health risk. The limit are 40 inches for men and 35 inches for women. Caution:against replacing BMI with waist circumference. American Journal of Nutrition,March, 2004.

Increasig fruit intake, and less fat, in a Canadian study, may help reduce weight.
Increase vegetables has no effect in weight loss in this study. It was possible that people add
butter oilos cheese totheir salads. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, July 04.

Big Portions of Calorie-dense Foods boos overall caloric intake Am journal of Clinical Nutrition, June 2004.

Sugary soft drinks caused weight gain, and diabetes. Fruit punches are also the culprit. Women who had one or more drinks was twice as high to develop diabetes. The reason is that it is less likely to make one feel full thansolid foods JAMA, August 24, 2005.Large, low-calorie salads can aid in weight loss before a main course. Journal of Am Dietetic association.

Drugs, sibutramine(Meridia) and orlistat(Xenical) fuoxetine(ProZac), in a review of 14 clinical trials, were used inthis study. Type diabetes patients lost an average os 6 to 13 lbs. after 6 to 12 months of any of the drugs. Theauthor cautioned thatlong term safety unclear. Archives of Internal Medicine July12, 2004

Long-term benefits of weight-loss drug, sibutramin( Meridia) in 29 trials lasting 8 to 54 weeks is unclear. The average weight loss of 10 lbs per year was noted. Small improvements in triglycerides and HDL Cholesterol levels were recorded. Only slight improvement in blood glucose control in diabetes was obtained. Modest increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressures was also noted. Archives of Internal Medicine, March 2004.

Most of the above excerpts of the scientific studies are adapted from The Johns Hopkins White Papers 2005: Nutrion And Weight Control For Longevity. I subscribe to this white papers every year for the last few years. It is extremely useful for me.

In conclusion, I barely touch the tip of the iceberg on this epidemic.

Magnesium | Superfood | Osteoporosis

2006-11-10T01:34:11-05:00

Magnesium is considered one of the superfoods.Keep your bones healthy even after 50! Take magnesium as superfood together with calcium to prevent osteoporosis or softening of the bones.

Weakening of bones, along with slow degradation of tissues with age. The changing lifestyle is also a major factor.

Was this a common problem two to three generations back? Probably it was not. During those times, life was not mechanically operated by machines and gadgets. Life was more close to nature and people devoted more time to physical labor.

We know that calcium deficiency weakens the bones. Recent research has brought out another important factor related to this problem in the elderly. Scientists have concluded that magnesium deficiency is as important as calcium deficiency in causing degradation of bones and tissues. After a certain age, the problem gets worse, but the roots of this problem were germinating in your body since childhood if proper nourishment was not given at that time.

The modern diet has regarded magnesium as a superfood and is a must-have nutrient in the course of your daily food intake. It has specifically been charted in separate quantities for males and females. The men need an amount slightly higher than the women. This seems obvious, because the bone density in a man is higher than that of a woman. Men in their sixties should have 420 mg of magnesium per day, and women of the same age group need a 100 mg less than that of their counterparts in a given day.

Magnesium is no doubt one of the key nutrients for keeping your bones fit. Magnesium has a bigger role to play in maintaining your immune system and in shaping your muscles. Even the heart and nervous system need magnesium for proper functioning. Altogether, magnesium should not be avoided for any reason. All these attributes have only elevated its stature as one of the great superfoods of our times, though its importance was always there.

Intake of magnesium in a natural way, instead of medicinal pills, is a better way to protect your health. Therefore, add more green leafy vegetables in your daily diet, including nuts, beans, legumes and peas. Even the wheat you use to bake bread should be ground from whole wheat as it contains a larger quantity of magnesium. Try to have these vegetables and fruits in their pure and fresh form, and don’t forget to drink soymilk fortified with calcium.

In real medical practice, physicians rarely advise patients to take magnesium along with calcium to prevent or treat osteoporosis. Therefore check with your healthcare provider about how to improve your bone health.

Black Cohosh | Is It Harmful?

2006-10-14T00:49:31-04:00

Is it harmful to take black cohosh? Read on and form your own informed opinion. I have my opinion of my own at the end.

Black cohosh (known as both Actaea racemosa and Cimicifuga racemosa ). a member of the buttercup family, is a perennial plant that is native to North America. Other common names include black snakeroot, bugbane, bugwort, rattleroot, rattletop, rattleweed, and macrotys. Insects avoid it, which accounts for some of these common names.

Black cohosh is used primarily for hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms.

A number of studies using various designs have been conducted to determine whether black cohosh affects menopausal symptoms.

Although some study results suggest that black cohosh may help relieve menopausal symptoms, other study results do not. Studies of black cohosh have yielded conflicting data, in part because of lack of rigor in study design and short study duration (6 months or less). In addition, interpretation of these studies is complicated by the fact that different amounts of black cohosh from different sources were used in the various studies and their outcome measures were different.

To provide more definitive evidence on the effects of black cohosh on menopausal symptoms, NCCAM is funding a 12-month, randomized, placebo-controlled study to determine whether treatment with black cohosh is effective in reducing the frequency and intensity of menopausal hot flashes. The study will also assess whether black cohosh reduces the frequency of other menopausal symptoms and improves quality of life. The study will examine the possible mechanisms of action of black cohosh.

How black cohosh works is not known. The possibility that black cohosh exhibits estrogenic activity has been studied but the evidence is contradictory.

Women who have reached menopause generally have lower levels of estrogen and higher levels of two other hormones, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), than do women who menstruate.

Three of four studies show that black cohosh does not affect LH or FSH. Because of the marked changes in hormone levels in women who have achieved menopause, numerous modifications occur in the structure and activity of vaginal and uterine ,tissues. Microscopically vaginal cells look different after menopause because of decreased estrogen.

Studies have been mixed on whether black cohosh affects vaginal epithelium. One placebo-controlled, double-blind trial of black cohosh showed estrogenic changes in vaginal epithelium of menopausal women. But another study of two Remifemin doses (39 or 127.3 mg/day) found that 6 months of treatment in perimenopausal and menopausal women caused no changes in vaginal cytology.

Menopause is associated with a thinning of the uterine lining (the endometrium). No human studies have adequately evaluated the effect of black cohosh on uterine endometrium.

In the United States, black cohosh is sold as a dietary supplement, and dietary supplements are regulated as foods, not drugs. Manufacturers do not have to provide the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with evidence that dietary supplements are effective or safe before marketing.

Because dietary supplements are not always tested for manufacturing consistency, the composition may vary considerably from lot to lot.

Can black cohosh be harmful?

Black cohosh can cause stomach discomfort and headaches.

Clinical trials comparing estrogens with black cohosh preparations have shown a low incidence of adverse effects associated with black cohosh; headaches, heaviness in the legs, and weight problems were the main adverse effects noted.

A published case of acute hepatitis involved a 47-year-old woman who used black cohosh for symptoms of menopause. She received a liver transplant three weeks after she started taking the herb. The report indicated the dose of black cohosh did not exceed the dosage recommended on the package; but no other dosage information was provided. No other cause for liver disease was found.

No studies have been published on long-term safety in humans, particularly regarding abnormal stimulation of Liver damage has been reported in a few individuals using black cohosh, but millions of people have taken the herb without apparent adverse health effects.

While studies of black cohosh have not provided scientific evidence to show that the herb causes liver damage, one country, Canada, has added a warning to the label of all products containing black cohosh, stating that it may cause harm to the liver of some individuals and should not be used without medical supervision.

Who should not take black cohosh?

The use of black cohosh during pregnancy has not been rigorously studied.Thus, it would be prudent for pregnant women not to take black cohosh unless they do so under the supervision of their health care provider.

Women with breast cancer may want to avoid black cohosh until its effects on breast tissue are understood.

Dosage:

Most studies of black cohosh have used the extract known as Remifemin, which is standardized to contain 1 mg of terpene glycosides per 20-mg tablet.

The most commonly used dosage of Remifemin is two 20-mg tablets twice daily. Maximum effect usually occurs in four to eight weeks.

Recent information from the manufacturer suggests that a dosage of 20 mg twice daily may be as effective in the treatment of menopausal symptoms as 40 mg twice daily.

Black cohosh extract also is available in tincture form; the proper dosage of the tincture is 2 mL twice daily of a 1:1 tincture in 90 percent alcohol.

Does black cohosh interact with any drugs or laboratory tests? Although black cohosh has not been reported to interact with any drugs or to influence laboratory tests, this has not been rigorously studied.

The majority of the above information is adapted from the National Institute of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements.

Advices for my patients:

• Read about black cohosh and discuss the pros and cons with me.

• Decide whether to take it or not after forming an informed decision.

• Do not exceed the recommended dosage, if he or she decides to use it.

• Avoid taking any brand of supplemnts that contain unknown amount of black cohosh.

High Fructose Corn Syrup | Obesity | Diabetes

2006-10-02T00:11:58-04:00

Currently there is a raging debate whether High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) is a major cause of the obesity epidemic in the United States today.

I am not going to get into this controversy.

I recommend my patients, my family and my friends to stay away from HFCS as much as humanly possible. We all know that most soft drinks contain High Fructose Corn Syrup.

I have a 35-year-old patient who developed diabetes mellitus recently. He denied over eating his meals. After further questioning, he admitted that he consumed about 2 to 3 Liters of regular soda-pops daily. I advised him to stop drinking soda-pops immediately. Initially he weighed about 360 lbs. He lost 30 lbs. in 4 months by just eliminating one drink item. He still have a long way to go.

This patient also was told to learn to read all food labels and avoid HFCS because it a sweetener and too much sweetener will make people gain weight.

A diabetic friend of our family showed me her supplies of snacks. They were an unopened big box of cookies and an open smaller box of milk chocolates. Immediately, I told her to dump the milk chocolates and give the cookies to the homeless people. I also recommend her to snack with nuts, such as almonds, the calories of which must be considered to be within the daily allowance for her condition.

In summary, High Fructose Corn Syrup is sweetener in many foods and drinks. Any one can unknowingly consume too much of this sweetener. According to the US government statistics, the American children consume less and less milk. They drink soda-pops instead.

Olive Oil | Napa Valley

2006-09-22T02:22:28-04:00

I just returned from California a few days ago. On the way to wine tasting in Napa Valley, my family and I had the chance to stop at St. Helena Olive Oil Company, Rutherford ,Ca., which is only 10 minutes from Napa. We had the chance to taste a few products.

I bought a bottle of Extra Virgin Olive Oil which tasted so good at the store. " First cold pressing from California olive orchards" is printed on the bottle label.

What is olive oil? Olive oil is the edible oil obtained from the fruit of the olive tree (Olea europea L.)

"Olive oil does not have high levels of omega-3 fatty acids but it does have substances, the flavenoids, which exert some of the same effects. The ratio of Omega-3 to other acids is very good in olive oil and it may be that the ratio of these fatty acids is what's most important. There are studies which show that diets rich in olive oil help prevent heart attacks and stroke."

The above paragraph belongs to John Deane,M.D. who writes for www.oliveoilsource.com

During this California trip, I had the opportunity to inform and recommend two of my friends, who are physicians, and their families to incorporate olive oil into their daily diets. One family started cooking with olive oil right away. This made me feel so good. The other family will follow suit soon.

There are a few more useful links to to read or study abour olive oil and it's health benefits.

Food Label

2006-09-05T21:11:38-04:00

Every time I read a new post of the Ultrametabolism Blog by Dr. Mark Hyman,the author of the book Ultrametabolism, I learn some thing new.

Trans fats is the same as dehydrogenated fats. We all know that trans fats are very bad for our health. But if it's labeled dehydrogenated fats,few people will know about it.
Cellulose which we human cannot digest,is part of the ingredients of the low-carb food.

Dr. Hymaan told us to be a smart label reader. If you don't know any of the ingredients,stay away from it.

The conclusion is to try to eat as much organic,whole foods as much and as often as possible.

This excellent post can be read at www.ultrametabolism.com