Probiotics Useful in Reducing Hayfever and Respiratory Allergies  

DoctorMurray.com

Background:
Airborne allergens, such as pollen, dander, and dust mites, can lead to hayfever and asthma symptoms. There is some evidence that probiotics may be helpful in preventing and treating these allergic conditions. Specifically, studies have shown that giving probiotics (active cultures of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria species) to children lowers the risk of developing allergies. Some of this protective effect may be mediated by the action of probiotics increasing the level of an antibody (mucosal IgA) that lines the respiratory and gastrointestinal tract that participates in the neutralization and elimination of allergens.

Benefits of Probiotics Confirmed by Clinical Research:
Promotion of Proper Intestinal Environment
Stimulation of Gastrointestinal Tract and Systemic Immunity
Prevention and Treatment of:
Antibiotic-induced Diarrhea
Urinary Tract Infection
Vaginal Yeast Infections and Bacterial Vaginosis
Eczema
Food Allergies
Cancer
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Ulcerative Colitis
Crohn’s Disease
Traveler’s Diarrhea
Lactose Intolerance

New Data:
Children with a history of allergies and current symptoms of hayfever and upper respiratory allergies were given either a probiotic supplement providing 4 billion colony forming units of Lactobacillus salivarius (n=99) or a placebo n=100) daily 12 weeks. Symptoms were scored in each subject 2 weeks prior to treatment initiation (visit 0), at the beginning of the treatment, then at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after starting treatment. Results indicated quite clearly that the probiotic treatment reduced symptoms of allergies as well as in the use of allergy medications. This study indicates that probiotic supplementation is an important consideration in children with allergies.

Reference:
Lin TY, Chen CJ, Chen LK, Wen SH, Jan RH. A Randomized Prospective Double Blind Controlled Trial of the Effect of Probiotics on Allergic Rhinitis Confined to Df, Dp or Dust-sensitive Children. Indian Pediatr. 2012 Jun 10. pii: S097475591100603-1. [Epub ahead of print].

Health Info Newsletter October 21, 2012:: Soap, Probiotics, Cataracts

Why you need to eat flaxseed, not just the oil  from…

SecondOpinionNewsletter.com

Flaxseed oil is one of the few oils I recommend you take on a regular basis. But, as you may know, I’m a huge fan of the whole food. And new research gives us ample reason to eat the actual flaxseed. It can significantly reduce your cholesterol.

In a recent study, researchers conducted a randomized controlled study on 30 men with high cholesterol. They found that flaxseed lignans significantly reduced their LDL and improved their LDL/HDL ratio.

While that’s impressive enough, the lignans did even more. They also improved their liver enzymes count. This suggests that these plant compounds can and will protect your liver.

In my book, flaxseed is a superfood. Lignans are phytoestrogens, which have significant healing and preventive properties when ingested. They are found in the hull of the flaxseed, not in the oil. So if you’re just taking the oil, you’re missing out.

Men, don’t worry, the estrogen won’t grow breasts on you. In fact, phytoestrogens activate the beta estrogen receptor in your prostate and other organs (like your brain). This can be incredibly beneficial for preventing prostate disease and preserving your brain.

And women? You don’t have to worry either. Phytoestrogens are not likely to stimulate breast cancer. In fact, they seem to actually prevent it. Many of my colleagues use phytoestrogens, especially from soy, to treat breast and other cancers as well.

In addition to eating flaxseed, you can get flax lignans in supplement form at http://www.lignans.net.Their product contains 33 mg per capsule and the dose in this study was 100 mg. So, you’ll need three capsules per day.

From Health Info Newsletter September 4, 2012: EFT Workshops, Osteoarthritis, Diabetes, Flax Seed

Keep That Runner Running

from Jonathan Wright, MD

Q: My husband was devastated when his doctor gave him a diagnosis of severe osteoarthritis in both hips. He’s an avid runner, and can’t imagine having to give it up. Is there anything we can do?

Dr. Wright: My first suggestion to all osteoarthritis sufferers is to eliminate nightshade vegetables — such as tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, paprika, and eggplants — from the diet. I also suggest 500 milligrams of glucosamine sulfate three times a day — but stay away from chondroitin, since it may increase the risk of prostate cancer. A separate note of caution, in people with diabetes, glucosamine may elevate blood sugar.

Along with the glucosamine, I recommend 1,000 milligrams of niacinamide three times daily. Many people report complete relief of their pain and swelling within three or four weeks of taking niacinamide.

Also quite effective, yet largely unknown to many, is boron. I advise taking 3 milligrams twice daily. As an added bonus, boron also is a treatment for osteoporosis and aids in cancer prevention.

If adjusting the diet and these supplements don’t bring relief, S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) may be worth trying. It can be expensive, but some patients — though not all — have been helped by it. I usually recommend 400 milligrams once or twice daily. These supplements are all safe and natural, and I have been recommending them for years to relieve arthritis pain with great success.

From Health Info Newsletter September 4, 2012: EFT Workshops, Osteoarthritis, Diabetes, Flax Seed

Curcumin May Prevent Diabetes

Curcumin is a derivative of turmeric, a common spice in South Asia and a standard component of curry powders. It has numerous healthful properties. Consumption of curcumin is associated with a decreased incidence of Alzheimer’s disease, and it has anti-inflammatory and anti-platelet effects. A new study shows that it can also help prevent diabetes.

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 240 subjects with pre-diabetes, researchers gave either curcumin or placebo capsules for nine months. They assessed the progression of their condition to diabetes and also did other testing. This included changes in beta-cell function (the cells that produce insulin), insulin resistance, C-peptide levels, and anti-inflammatory cytokines. (Chuengsamarn S, et al., Curcumin extract for prevention of type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2012 Jul 6. [Epub ahead of print])

After nine months, 16.4 percent of the placebo group were diagnosed with diabetes, while none of the curcumin treatment group developed the disease. The curcumin group also had lower insulin resistance, better beta-cell function, and lower C-peptide levels. Curcumin is one of many natural treatments for diabetes and its prevention. These include high-fiber diets and exercise, and supplements of chromium, alpha-lipoic acid, cinnamon, milk thistle (with standardized amounts of silymarin), and coenzyme Q10.

From Health Info Newsletter September 4, 2012: EFT Workshops, Osteoarthritis, Diabetes, Flax Seed

Tinnitus: Can Melatonin Stop the Ringing?

Background
Tinnitus refers hearing a constant ringing, roaring, clicking or hissing sound. It is Millions of people in the U.S. have tinnitus. People with severe tinnitus may have trouble hearing, working or even sleeping. Causes of tinnitus include hearing loss, exposure to loud noises or medicines (particularly Valium-type drugs [benzodiazepines]). Tinnitus may also be a symptom of other health problems, such as allergies, high or low blood pressure, tumors and problems in the heart, blood vessels, jaw and neck.

Treating Tinnitus
Treatment depends on the cause. If it is due to barotraumas from long-term exposure to load noise or music, scuba diving, or other causes of damage it is more difficult to treat. Magnesium supplementation may help, however. Other natural medicines that have been shown to be useful include:

• Zinc supplementation can relieve or eliminate tinnitus in those with zinc deficiency – a common occurrence in many cases of tinnitus.
• The results double-blind studies with Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) are contradictory. People with recent-onset tinnitus are more likely to respond to GBE compared to those who have had tinnitus for at least 3 years.
• Forty-seven percent of patients with tinnitus are deficient in B12. Many people with low B12 levels experience complete resolution of their tinnitus when given methylcobalamin. Take 2000 mcg twice daily for one month and then reduce it to 1000 mcg daily as a maintenance dose.

New Data:
A previous study demonstrated that 3 mg of melatonin at bedtime significantly improved tinnitus as well as sleep quality. In a new double-blind, crossover clinical trial 61 adults with chronic tinnitus were randomized to receive 3 mg melatonin or placebo nightly for 30 days followed by a 1-month washout period before switching over to the other treatment. Results demonstrated very convincingly that melatonin was associated with a statistically significant decrease in tinnitus intensity and improved sleep quality in these patients with chronic tinnitus. Melatonin was most effective in men, those without a history of depression, those who have not undergone prior tinnitus treatments, those with more severe and bilateral tinnitus, and those with a history of noise exposure.

Reference:
Hurtuk A, Dome C, Holloman CH, et al. Melatonin: can it stop the ringing? Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2011 Jul;120(7):433-40.

Green Tea Extract and L-Theanine Improve Mental Function

Background:
L-theanine, an amino acid found in tea leaves, helps reduce stress, promote relaxation and improve the quality of sleep. L-theanine is found in tea leaves in low concentrations (less than 2 percent), which means that effective dosage levels (of 100 – 200mg/day) cannot be delivered from drinking tea. Recently, animal studies and human studies have shown that a high dose of L-theanine (100 mg) combined with caffeine about at the level of a single cup of tea (40 mg), can help to improve attention, memory, and cognition.

L-Theanine Actions
There is no question that caffeine increases alertness, but this effect comes at a price. L-Theanine appears to counteract some of the stimulatory effects of caffeine while exerting benefits of its own. Some of the effects noted for L-theanine include:

• Increasing brain serotonin, dopamine, and GABA levels.
• Binding to various brain receptor sites.
• Improving learning and memory in animal studies.
  • • Positive results in double-blind studies showing it:
    • Reducing feelings of stress.
    • Improves the quality of sleep.
    • Diminishes the symptoms of the premenstrual syndrome
    • Increasing the production of alpha brain waves

   

L-theanine is a very is a popular ingredient in function foods and beverages as well as dietary supplements designed to produce mental and physical relaxation, without inducing drowsiness.

New Data
In a study of 91 subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), subjects were given either the green tea-theanine combination or a placebo. Neuropsychological tests (Rey-Kim memory test and Stroop color-word test) and electroencephalography (EEG) were conducted to evaluate the effect of green tea-theanine on memory and attention. The results demonstrated that the green tea-theanine product led to improvements in memory and attention. The EEG tracings indicated an increase in brain theta waves, an indicator of cognitive alertness.

Reference:
Park SK, Jung IC, Lee WK, et al. A combination of green tea extract and l-theanine improves memory and attention in subjects with mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled study. J Med Food. 2011 Apr;14(4):334-43.

Search for both green tea and Theanine, there is more info here.

“A Randomized, Pilot Study to Assess the Efficacy and Safety of Curcumin in Patients with Active Rheumatoid Arthritis,” Chandran B, Goel A, et al, Phytother Res, 2012 March 9; [Epub ahead of print]. (Address: Nirmala Medical Centre, Muvattupuzha, Kerala, India).

In a randomized study involving 45 patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, supplementation with 500 mg/d curcumin (an active agent found in the yellow curry spice, turmeric) was found to be associated with significant improvement in symptoms in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Subjects were randomized to: a) curcumin (500 mg/d); diclofenac sodium (50 mg/d); combination of curcumin and diclofenac sodium. Subjects in the curcumin alone group showed the greatest improvements in Disease Activity Score and American College of Rheumatology criteria for reduction in tenderness and swelling of joint scores. Curcumin was found to be safe and no adverse effects were noted. The authors conclude, “Our study provides the first evidence for the safety and superiority of curcumin treatment in patients with active RA, and highlights the need for future large-scale trials to validate these findings in patients with RA and other arthritic conditions.

Here is a very good article on using Lavender and its use in anxiety and depression both as aromatherapy and orally. The oral form is Lavela WS 1265 60 softgels and can be purchased through Emerson Ecologics. See the top of the page on how to order.

http://www.naturalmedicinejournal.com/journal/2012-02/lavender-oil-anxiety-and-depression-0

From Health Info Newsletter July 13, 2012: Tinnitus, Green Tea/brain function, Rheumatiod Arthritis, Lavender & mood

Red Clover for Menopausal Symptoms

Red Clover Isoflavones in Postmenopausal Women: Skin, Appendages, Mucosal Status

“Effect of Red Clover Isoflavones over Skin, Appendages, and Mucosal Status in Postmenopausal Women,” Lipovac M, Chedraui P, et al, Obstet Gynecol Int, 2011; [Epub ahead of print]. (Address: Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Public Teaching Hospital Korneuburg, 2100 Korneuburg, Austria).

In a crossover, placebo-controlled study involving 109 postmenopausal women, supplementation with red clover extract isoflavones was found to improve scalp hair and skin status, libido, mood, sleep, and reduce tiredness.

Subjects were randomized to: 2 daily capsules of the red clover extract (80 mg), or placebo, for a period of 90 days, after which the interventions were crossed over (after a 7 day washout period). Subjective improvements in scalp hair and skin status, libido, mood, sleep, and tiredness were found after supplementation with red clover extract.

No significant differences in urinary complaints, nail, body hair, and oral/nasal/ocular mucosa were found. Subjects in the red clover extract group reported higher overall satisfaction. The authors conclude, “RCE supplementation exerted a subject improvement of scalp hair and skin status as well as libido, mood, sleep, and tiredness in postmenopausal women.”

Red Clover Isoflavones and Vasomotor Symptoms in Postmenopausal Women

MENOPAUSE, VASOMOTOR SYMPTOMS, HOT FLASHES, NIGHT SWEATS – Red Clover Isoflavones

“The effect of red clover isoflavone supplementation over vasomotor and menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women,” Lipovac M, Chedraui P, et al, Gynecol Endocrinol, 2012 March; 28(3): 203-7. (Address: Martin Imhof, General Public Teaching Hospital Korneuburg, Wiener Ring 3-5, A-2100 Korneuburg, Austria. E-mail: martin.imhof@meduniwien.ac.at and martin@imhof.at ).

In a placebo-controlled study involving 109 postmenopausal women aged 40 years or older, supplementation with red clover isoflavones (80 mg/d) for a period of 90 days, was found to be associated with reducing daily hot flashes and vasomotor symptoms and overall intensity of menopausal symptoms.

Specifically, subjects were randomized to 80 mg/d red clover isoflavones or placebo for a period of 90 days, after which the interventions were crossed over (following a 7 day washout). Supplementation with red clover isoflavones was associated with significant reductions in daily hot flashes, night sweats, and overall menopausal symptom intensity, while placebo was associated with increases in all indices.

The authors state, “Red clover isoflavone supplementation was more effective than placebo in reducing daily vasomotor frequency and overall menopausal intensity in postmenopausal women.”

From Health Info Newsletter February 24, 2012: GMOs, Red Clover for Menopause, Green Tea

Green Tea

Green tea contains volatile oils, vitamins, minerals, and caffeine, but the primary constituents of interest are the polyphenols, particularly the catechin called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). The polyphenols are believed to be responsible for most of green tea’s roles in promoting good health.51

Green tea has been shown to mildly lower total cholesterol levels and improve the cholesterol profile (decreasing LDL “bad” cholesterol and increasing HDL “good” cholesterol) in most,52, 53, 54, 55 but not all,56 studies. Green tea may also promote cardiovascular health by making platelets in the blood less sticky.

Green tea has been shown to protect against the oxidation of cholesterol to a more toxic molecule (oxidized cholesterol).57 Consumption of green tea increases antioxidant activity in the blood.58Oxidative damage to LDL can promoteatherosclerosis. While population studies have suggested that consumption of green tea is associated with protection against atherosclerosis,59 the evidence is still preliminary.

Several animal and test tube studies have demonstrated an anticancer effect of polyphenols from green tea.60, 61, 62 In one of these studies, a polyphenol called catechin from green tea effectively inhibited metastasis (uncontrolled spread) of melanoma (skin cancer) cells.63 The polyphenols in green tea have also been associated with reduced risk of several types of cancer in humans.64, 65, 66However, some human studies have found no association between green tea consumption and decreased cancer risk.67, 68

In a double-blind trial, people with leukoplakia (a pre-cancerous oral condition) took 3 grams orally per day of a mixture of whole green tea, green tea polyphenols, and green tea pigments orally, and also painted a mixture of the tea on their lesions TID for six months.69 As compared to the placebo group, those in the green tea group had significant decreases in the pre-cancerous condition.

Compounds in green tea, as well as black tea, may reduce the risk of dental caries.70 Human volunteers rinsing with an alcohol extract of oolong tea leaves HS each night for four days had significantly less plaque formation, but similar amounts of plaque-causing bacteria, compared to those with no treatment.71

Green tea polyphenols have been shown to stimulate the production of several immune system cells, and have topical antibacterial properties—even against the bacteria that cause dental plaque.72, 73, 74

One study found that intake of 10 cups or more of green tea per day improved blood test results, indicating protection against liver damage.75 Further studies are needed to determine if taking green tea helps those with liver diseases.

Tea flavonoids given by capsule reduced fecal odor and favorably altered the gut bacteria in elderly Japanese with feeding tubes living in nursing homes.76 The study was repeated in bedridden elderly not on feeding tubes, and green tea was again shown to improve their gut bacteria.77 These studies raise the possibility of using green tea in other settings where gut bacteria are disturbed, such as after taking antibiotics. Further studies are needed to clarify the role of green tea in this respect, however.

High-tannin tea has been shown to reduce the need for blood removal from people with iron overload, or hemochromatosis, in an open study.78 The tea had to be taken with meals and without lemon or milk to be effective. Tea is believed to help in hemochromatosis by preventing iron absorption.

In a double-blind trial, men with precancerous changes in the prostate received a green tea extract providing 600 mg of catechins per day or a placebo for one year. After one year, prostate cancer had developed in 3.3% of the men receiving the green tea extract and in 30% of those given the placebo, a statistically significant difference.79 These results suggest that drinking green tea or taking green tea catechins may help prevent prostate cancer in men at high risk of developing the disease.

There are four case reports in which certain types of leukemia or lymphoma (low grade B-cell malignancies) improved after the patients began taking green tea extracts.80

Recommended Dosage

Much of the research documenting the health benefits of green tea is based on the amount of green tea typically consumed in Asian countries—about 3 cups (750 ml) per day (providing 240–320 mg of polyphenols).81 However, other research suggests as much as 10 cups (2,500 ml) per day is necessary to obtain noticeable benefits from green tea ingestion.82, 83

To brew green tea, 1 teaspoon (5 grams) of green tea leaves are combined with 1 cup (250 ml) of boiling water and steeped for three minutes.

Decaffeinated tea is recommended to reduce the side effects associated with caffeine, including anxiety and insomnia. Tablets and capsules containing standardized extracts of polyphenols, particularly EGCG, are available. Some provide up to 97% polyphenol content—which is equivalent to drinking 4 cups (1,000 ml) of tea. Many of these standardized products are decaffeinated.

From Health Info Newsletter February 24, 2012: GMOs, Red Clover for Menopause, Green Tea

GMOs

Things are heating up in the GMO wars. In California, an initiative is underway to force GMO labeling on all food products. Joe Mercola, MD is helping us fight this battle here in California, as this state is the bellwether state for political action. What happens here usually happens around the country. And it’s already starting to happen.

Further east, two U.S. Senators have written a “Dear Colleague” letter and released it to the public on February 8. They urged their colleagues to support the labeling of GMO foods. This is the first of its kind in Congress. It’s a fantastic opportunity to get your Congressional representatives to listen to you for once, instead of predatory industry giants like Monsanto.

The Center for Food Safety has this to say: “Genetically engineered foods are required to be labeled in nearly 50 countries around the world including the United Kingdom, Australia, South Korea, Japan, Brazil, China, New Zealand, and many others. A recent poll released by ABC News found that 93% of the American public wants the federal government to require mandatory labeling of genetically engineered foods. As ABC News stated, `Such near-unanimity in public opinion is rare.’ Yet the United States is one of the only countries in the world that doesn’t require labeling of GE food!”

It’s time for that to change! Please call or email your legislators repeatedly this month (the close date is Wednesday, February 29th).. And we need to encourage them to support the labeling of GE salmon and other foods. For other legislators, please use the following links to find their email and phone number, or use the zip code access available at the listed link.

(1) To locate your House Representative:
To enter your zip code: http://www.house.gov/representatives/find/.
If you know your Representative’s name: http://www.house.gov/representatives/.
(2) To locate your Senators:
http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

 

Thank you for taking action! This is a health and medical freedom issue. Please make your voice heard to the above officials as well as any Congressional leaders not specifically named above.

From www.moveon.org
Below is an email from Eric Schlosser, the author of “Fast Food Nation”, and Gary Hirshberg, chairman of Stonyfield Farm. Eric and Gary created a petition on SignOn.org that is getting a lot of attention.

The FDA is on the brink of approving genetically engineered salmon for human consumption. This would be the first genetically engineered animal on supermarket shelves in the United States.

The salmon is engineered to produce growth hormones year-round that cause the fish to grow at twice the normal rate. The government already requires labels to tell us if fish is wild-caught or farm-raised—don’t we also have a right to know if our salmon is genetically engineered? Without labels, we’ll never know.

More than forty countries, including Russia and China, already require labels on genetically engineered foods. As Americans, we firmly believe that we deserve the same right to know what we are eating.

That’s why I created a petition to U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on SignOn.org, which says:

Commissioner Hamburg, we urge the FDA to require the mandatory labeling of genetically engineered foods. We have a right to know about the food we eat and what we feed our families, but under current FDA regulations, we don’t have that ability when it comes to genetically engineered foods.

 

Polls show that more than 90% of Americans support mandatory labeling. Such near-unanimity in public opinion is rare. Please listen to the American public and mandate labeling of genetically engineered foods.

Will you sign the petition? Click here to add your name, and then pass it along to your friends:

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=271198&id=35802-6220990-fGqi03x&t=2

Thanks!

–Eric Schlosser and Gary Hirshberg

Vitamin E and Prostate Cancer

About three to four weeks ago a study was reported the said that taking Vitamin E increased prostate cancer risk. About a year ago there was a study that seemed to show that Vitamin E did not have any value in preventing heart disease. Below is an explanation of the reason why these results may have happened.

Vitamin E and prostate cancer: does the type of vitamin E matter?
by Alan Gaby, MD

In the other study, 35,533 men were randomly assigned to receive 400 IU per day of vitamin E (in the form of alpha-tocopherol) or placebo for an average of 5.5 years, and the men were then followed for a total of approximately 7 years. During that time, the incidence of prostate cancer was significantly higher by 17% in the vitamin E group than in the placebo group.

Although the study was well designed from a technical standpoint, it suffers from an important weakness, in that the type of vitamin E used was not the same as the vitamin E that occurs in food. Vitamin E is found in food in 4 different forms: alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocopherol. However, as is the case with most vitamin E research, the men in this study were given only alpha-tocopherol. Early research suggested that most, if not all, of the biological activity of vitamin E is due to alpha-tocopherol, but it is now known that at least one of the other components-gamma-tocopherol-has important functions. Furthermore, treatment with large doses of alpha-tocopherol has been shown to deplete gamma-tocopherol, potentially upsetting the natural balance of the different forms of vitamin E in the body. “Mixed tocopherols,” on the other hand, a supplement that contains all four types of vitamin E, would not be expected to cause such an imbalance.

In a previous study, both alpha-tocopherol and gamma-tocopherol inhibited the growth of human prostate cancer cells in vitro, but gamma-tocopherol was the more potent of the two.3 In another study, higher blood levels of alpha-tocopherol and gamma-tocopherol were each associated a lower risk of developing prostate cancer, but the protective effect of gamma-tocopherol was greater than that of alpha-tocopherol.4

Clinical trials that used alpha-tocopherol in doses lower than 400 IU per day did not find an adverse effect on prostate cancer incidence. In a double-blind study of male smokers, compared with placebo, supplementation with 50 IU per day for 5-8 years significantly decreased the incidence of prostate cancer by 32%.5 In a double-blind study of male physicians, supplementation with 200 IU per day (400 IU every other day) for 8 years resulted in a nonsignificant 3% decrease in prostate cancer incidence, compared with placebo.6 Thus, the effect of alpha-tocopherol on prostate cancer appears to be dose-related: protective at low doses (50 IU per day), neutral or modestly protective at intermediate doses (200 IU per day), and harmful at high doses (400 IU per day).

The totality of the evidence suggests that alpha-tocopherol has a protective effect against prostate cancer. However, when alpha-tocopherol is given by itself in large doses (such as 400 IU per day or more), it depletes gamma-tocopherol, which could more than negate any beneficial effect that alpha-tocopherol might have. If that is the case, then taking vitamin E in the form of mixed tocopherols would not be expected to increase prostate cancer risk, and might even help prevent prostate cancer. Further research is needed to examine that possibility.

How to supercharge your prostate formula

from Robert J. Rowen, MD

SecondOpinionNewsletter.com

If you’re taking a prostate formula to prevent prostate enlargement or cancer, good for you! But what if I told you there’s a simple way to supercharge your prostate formula and make it work substantially better? Interested?

Well, I’ve just discovered another possible wonder supplement for prostate protection. It’s grapeseed extract.

Yes, the stuff you might spit out when eating those delicious small globes really offer tremendous protection for your prostate. A report in a respected cancer journal found that any intake of grapeseed extract in a large group of 35,239 men (aged 50-76) reduced their risk of prostate cancer.

Interestingly, they didn’t find any protection from other supplements they followed in the study. These included chondroitin, CoQ10, fish oil, garlic, gingko biloba, ginseng, glucosamine, or saw palmetto. The participants were questioned specifically about their use of supplements.

While questionnaire studies are not the most accurate, they can point of value when the results are significant. And the results of this study in favor of grapeseed extract were very significant.

The researchers found any use of grapeseed supplements reduced the total risk of prostate cancer by a whopping 41%. That’s a huge finding. Imagine if Big Pharma found a patentable drug that produced these results. You would hear the news all over the media. But in this case, even the researchers weren’t impressed. The authors weren’t ready to endorse the use of grapeseeds at this time.

When I read this report I dug a little deeper. Another research team became aware of the use of the extract by men with prostate cancer. This team studied possible mechanisms of why it might be effective in this common disease. Here’s what they found.

Their work showed that grapeseed extract inhibits the cancer growth and also induces apoptotic death of human prostate cancer cells. This was true both in a lab culture and in living mice with implanted human prostate cancers. They found the toxic effects on the cancer cells to be “rather strong.” They found that grapeseed induced specific damage to cancer cell mitochondria and their membranes. The result was cell suicide (apoptosis), which is what we want wayward cells to do.

I have always been a fan of grapeseed extract supplements. They are packed with oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes, much like the bilberry supplements we use for eye health. These are potent bioflavonoids (plant chemicals) with enormous preventive and healing powers. After reading all of this information, I’m not recommending my prostate cancer patients take grapeseed extract. In fact, I’ll likely add the extract to all of my cancer programs.

I strongly believe that anything that can treat a cancer will likely be effective at preventing it. So I’m also recommending every man over the age of 40 take a grapeseed extract every day.

From December 5, 2011 Health Info Newsletter: Vitamin E and Prostate Cancer, Prostate Health, Warts

You really can use it for everything

by Jonathan Wright, MD

Q: Okay, how do I get rid of this unsightly wart on my finger?

Dr. Wright: One of the best treatments I have found for removing warts is one that doesn’t actually involve any vitamins, herbs, or other nutrients. In fact, all it involves is duct tape.

Several years ago, Dr. Dean Focht, a medical resident at Madigan Army Hospital in Tacoma, Washington, had 51 individuals, ages 3 to 22, use either standard liquid nitrogen freezing therapy or “duct tape therapy” for wart removal.

Of the 25 individuals using duct tape, 85 percent had their warts disappear, usually within a month. In the 26-member liquid nitrogen group, only 60 percent of the warts went away.

The therapy itself is fairly easy: Just cut the duct tape to the size of the wart and stick it on for six days. Then remove the tape, soak the wart in water, and buff it with pumice or an emery board. Twelve hours later, apply new tape. Repeat this cycle until the wart disappears.

If you find that the duct tape keeps falling off, or if you just want to disguise it, the easiest solution is to put a band-aid over the tape.

From December 5, 2011 Health Info Newsletter: Vitamin E and Prostate Cancer, Prostate Health, Warts