February 8th, 2010 by Nina Thompson, ARNP
According to a recent study, beer is good for bone health. But experts critical of the study, say it may be a good source of dietary silicon, but any attempt to link beer drinking to bone health is not based on scientific data.
The recent study of 100 commercial beers revealed an average of 29.4 mg/L of silicon, with a range of 6.4 to 56.4 mg/L, but no link between dietary silicon and bone density was established. In fact, the study did not look at bone mineral density or analyze any patient data at all.
There may be some merits to the study, say researchers, but it does not provide evidence that drinking beer is an appropriate preventive measure for bone health.
Source: “Down a Beer to Improve Bone Health? Not So Fast”, MedPage Today, February 7, 2010
Source: Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture
February 5th, 2010 by Nina Thompson, ARNP
Blaming people for their obesity is no longer appropriate given the number of studies that point to the genetic influence underlying many cases of obesity. The researchers say it’s likely that a “patchwork” of different genetic variations will eventually emerge to explain more cases of obesity. These genetic flaws may result in obesity by affecting appetite, or the rate at which the body burns fat.
That being said, most of the obesity epidemic currently affecting most Western countries still is attributed to a trend towards high-calorie foods and more sedentary lifestyles.
Source: “Morbidly obese may have missing genes” BBC, Feb 4, 2010
February 3rd, 2010 by Nina Thompson, ARNP
Obesity linked to increased risk for six cancers
According to a recent report, excess body fat is on course to overtake tobacco as the leading risk factor for cancer in America. Furthermore, the cancer risk increases with only modest weight gain. In this analysis, excess body fat was found to be associated with an increased incidence of cancers of the colon, kidney, and pancreas, adenocarcinoma of the esophagus and endometrium, and breast cancer in postmenopausal women.There are two main types of phytoestrogens — isoflavones and lignans. Isoflavones are found in soybeans, chickpeas and other legumes. Lignans occur in flaxseeds, whole grains and some fruits and vegetables. Source: World Cancer Research Fund, American Institute for Cancer Research, October 2007
The American Cancer Society recommends MRI screening for women with lifetime breast cancer risk of 20%
Calculate your Lifetime Risk with this tool. Note: There are different risk models. Each one is imperfect and provides only an approximate estimate of risk. The tool should not be used to calculate breast cancer risk for women who have already had a diagnosis of breast cancer or for women known to have breast cancer-producing mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes.
Always discuss these results with your doctor.)
Further recommendations from the American Cancer Society include:
- Screening should begin at age 30 for most high-risk women
- Annual MRI screening is recommended for patients with BRCA mutations and for patients whose lifetime risk for breast cancer is at least 20%,
- MRI screening is not recommended for women with lifetime risk below 15%.
- Annual MRI screening is recommended for patients who received chest radiation (e.g., for Hodgkin disease) between ages 10 and 30 and for patients with several unusual genetic syndromes;
- The evidence is insufficient to recommend for or against MRI screening for women with dense breasts; women with personal histories of breast cancer, atypical ductal hyperplasia, ductal carcinoma in situ, atypical lobular hyperplasia or lobular carcinoma in situ; or women with lifetime risk of 15% to 20%.
Source: American Cancer Society, June 2007
Women at high risk of breast cancer should get an annual MRI scan plus mammogram
Women who have an especially high risk of developing breast cancer should get magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans along with their yearly mammogram, according to a new American Cancer Society guideline released today. This recommendation applies only to the 1% to 2% of women who have at least a 20% risk of developing breast cancer due to their family history. Performing both a mammogram and MRI together improves the chances of finding breast cancer early, when the cancer is easier to treat. In a related study also being released today, the researchers found that, in 969 women newly diagnosed with cancer in one breast, MRI found 30 additional tumors in the opposite breast that had been missed by mammograms and physical exams.
MRI scans are not recommended for women with an average risk of breast cancer. Although the scans are more sensitive than mammograms, they are more likely to result in false-positives, or false alarms in other words. This creates a great deal of prolonged anxiety, and an additional costly and invasive biopsy or procedure to adequately investigate a questionable area in a woman who is not likely to have breast cancer. Another significant drawback of the MRI scan is that its cost is about 10-times that of a mammogram. Thus the American Cancer Society only recommends the additional MRI scan in those with the highest risk. Source: American Cancer Society, March 3, 2007
Breast Reconstruction Referrals Not Always Offered by Surgeons
Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 mandates that insurance companies cover breast reconstruction for patients who undergo breast cancer surgery. Source: MedPage Today, March 2007
Radiation patients greatly benefit from nutrition counseling
Periodic nutrition counseling significantly improved the nutritional status of cancer patients were undergoing radiation therapy. Those patients who received dietary counseling, not only avoided malnutrition, and also experienced a significantly smaller decrease in overall quality of life, and had a faster recovery with regard to physical function, compared to those who did not receive counseling. Source: Journal of the American Dietetic Association, March 2007
Obesity appears to increase risk of breast cancer
Another recent study strengthens the current theory that adult weight gain increases the risk of breast cancer. In a recent study of 44,000 post-menopausal women not taking hormone therapy, researchers compared women who gained only 20 pounds or less after the age of 18, with those who gained 60 or more pounds. The women in the higher weight gain group had an elevated risk of every type, stage, and grade of estrogen receptor-positive tumor. The most likely explanation offered by the American Cancer Society researchers is that fat tissue increases the level of estrogen circulating in the body, thereby increasing the risk of estrogen-positive tumors. Source: MedPageToday, May 23, 2006
Reduced levels of fat in the diet may decrease the risk of breast cancer recurrence
In a recent, large-scale clinical study, postmenopausal women who had undergone treatment for early-stage breast cancer and then subsequently reduced the fat in their diet, appeared to reduce their chances for breast cancer recurrence or a second breast cancer.
At the start of the study, women in both control and intervention groups consumed on average 57 grams of fat per day. Both groups decreased their fat intake and maintained this decrease during the five years of the study. The intervention group decreased the fat in their diet by an average of 24 grams per day, while the control group only decreased it by an average of 5 grams per day. By the fifth year of the trial the women in the intervention group not only weighed an average of 6 pounds less than the women in the control group, but had a decreased incidence of recurrent breast cancer. Source: National Cancer Institute, December 2006
Weight gain of 21 pounds or more, after age 18, increases the risk of breast cancer
A recent American Cancer Society Study found that women who gained 21-30 pounds since age 18 were 40% more likely to develop breast cancer than women who had not gained more than 5 pounds, and women who gained 70 pounds doubled their risk. Furthermore, women who gained more than 60 pounds since age 18 were 3 times more likely to have metastatic breast cancer than women who gained less than 20 pounds as an adult. Source: American Cancer Society
Computer factory workers may have increased cancer risk
Brain, kidney and breast cancer and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma were more common causes of death for IBM computer employees than the rest of the population from 1969 to 2001, according to a recent analysis of a large mortality database. This data was released by the company involuntarily during litigation. No information was available to link these deaths to any specific chemicals or other toxic exposures.
Computer manufacturing and semiconductor fabrication have been known to expose workers to a variety of potentially carcinogenic chemicals, metals (especially arsenic, nickel and chromium), and electromagnetic fields (especially ultraviolet light, radiofrequency, and, in one process, x-ray radiation). These manufacturing processes have changed over time in the industry, and exposures have changed as well. Environmental Health October 2006
The link between soy protein, heart health and breast cancer risk…
Based on a recent review of 22 studies on the effects of soy protein with isoflavones and its association with heart health, the American Heart Association committee made the following recommendations: Taking soy or isoflavone supplements is unlikely to reduce your risk of heart disease. Eating foods that contain soy protein to replace food high in animal fats may prove beneficial to heart health. Circulation/American Heart Association, April 2006
Phytoestrogens are a weak form of estrogen that occurs naturally in certain foods.
Some studies suggest that high isoflavone levels might increase the risk of cancer, particularly breast cancer. On the other hand, some studies show just the opposite–that under some conditions, soy may help prevent breast cancer. It is this scientific controversy that is causing many researchers to urge caution until further clinical evidence is available.
The specific concerns about soy focus on components of soy, such as the soy isoflavones daidzein and genistein, not the whole food or intact soy protein, such as tofu. These chemicals, available over the counter in pills and powders, are often advertised as dietary supplements for use by women to help lessen menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes. (FDA) The bottom line, women who have concerns about breast cancer should not take soy dietary supplements (pills) without first consulting with their health care provider.
Large studies are currently underway and should offer better information regarding soy and breast cancer risk.
The medicine in your spice cabinet Turmeric, the main ingredient in curry powder appears to have potent anti-inflammatory and anticancer activity. Turmeric is a yellow powder made from the roots of a plant in the ginger family and is widely used in Indian and Southeast Asian cooking. For thousands of years, many cultures have used turmeric for medicinal purposes to treat everything from heartburn to arthritis.
A number of clinical studies have focused on curcumin, the most active compound in turmeric, and have found that curcumin can indeed slow inflammation. It also appears to slow the spread of cancer (metastasis), slow down the growth of new tumor blood vessels (angiogenesis), and cause cancer cells to die the way normal cells do (apoptosis). A word of caution, however, at least one study has shown that curcumin may inhibit the action of certain chemotherapy drugs.
Researchers have recently launched a number of new human trials to find out more about curcumin’s anticancer effects. Source: American Cancer Society
Postmenopausal women with more body fat are more likely to develop breast cancer than those with less body fat.
Researchers have found that increased body fat may contribute to breast cancer. Fat cells produce a type of estrogen, the “female hormone,” which can stimulate certain types of breast cancer tumors to grow. Researchers studied more than 7,500 women and found that women who weighed more, who had gained a lot of weight since age 25, had a high BMI, a wide waist, or who had a high percentage of body fat were somewhat more likely to have developed breast cancer. Source: Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, January 2006
Study: A Diet High In raw and short-cooked cabbage may help prevent breast cancer
Cabbage contains anti-carcinogenic glucosinolates and myrosinase enzymes and it may be at the reason why the breast cancer risk of Polish women triples after they immigrate to the United States. The study found the protective effect to be only for raw and short-cooked cabbage, not long-cooked. Source: American Association for Cancer Research
Blood Test Better Predicts Cancer Treatment Outcomes
A new technology that counts cancer cells in the blood helps predict the success of breast cancer treatments more quickly and more reliably than traditional methods. A study published in a recent edition of The New England Journal of Medicine said the new technique allows doctors to determine within weeks, not months, whether a breast cancer patient’s treatment is working. This could help physicians, at the start of treatment, determine more accurately which patients need more aggressive therapy and which patients need less aggressive therapy. This would spare some women from the most potent chemotherapy. Source: New England Journal of Medicine August 19, 2004
Study: Breast MRIs may find nearly twice as many breast cancer tumors as mammograms
Although breast MRIs are not routinely being performed, the procedure is emerging as a recommended screening test for women at high risk for developing breast cancer. It is also being used to further evaluate an abnormality that has already been detected. Unfortunately, MRI may produce a greater number of false alarms than mammography. Source: The New England Journal of Medicine, July 2004
Lower your risk of cancer through food by the National Foundation for Cancer Research
Research findings indicate the following foods help protect the body against cancer. Tomatoes, ketchup, tomato sauce, real teas (green, black and oolong), foods rich in Vitamin C (citrus fruits), and cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, broccoli, brussel sprouts and turnips). Source: National Foundation for Cancer Research, www.nfcr.org
Study: Exercise improves survival chances in breast cancer patients
In a study of 2,987 breast cancer patients, Harvard researchers found physically active women to have a greater chance of survival from the disease than those with sedentary lifestyles. This large study of U.S. nurses found that patients who walk or do other types of moderate exercise for three to five hours per week are about 50% less likely to die from the disease as sedentary women. Source: Journal of American Medical Association, 2005
Combining an MRI scan and a mammogram is the most effective way to detect breast cancer in women with a high risk of the disease
In a study of 650 women at high risk of breast cancer, researchers found that MRI was nearly twice as effective as mammograms in finding signs of the disease. Mammograms picked up 40 percent of tumors in the women but MRI detected 77 percent. When the two methods were combined, 94 percent of tumors were identified. Source: The Lancet, May 2005
February 2nd, 2010 by Nina Thompson, ARNP
Do you ever feel like the more you eat, the more you want to eat? There are several complex mechanisms that do indeed create this viscious cycle.
One factor was recently studied by researchers from the Brookhaven National Laboratory on New York’s Long Island. In their recent study, the brain activity of hardcore drug and alcohol addicts was similar to obese participants who were ”addicted” to food. The researchers conducted several brain imaging studies of obese patients using PET-CT scans. Very close similarities were found in brain activity between patients addicted to cocaine or alcohol, and those who were obese and ”addicted” to eating.
In other experiments, the researchers also found a higher body mass index (BMI) was linked with lower prefrontal cortex function — the area of the brain that regulates inhibitory control. In other words, those who were more obese had less impulse control.
So the more we overeat, the less we’ll be able to control our desire to overeat, or possibly control other impulsive negative behaviors as well. Not a pleasant thought.
The studies also revealed that a higher BMI was linked to a decrease in memory and executive functioning.
These are all very good motivating factors to curb any overeating now, before it’s too late. And if it is too late, you might want to consider getting some professional help, as overeating is a very serious problem.
Whether or not you have an eating problem, a program of regular exercise is an excellent way to live a happier, healthier and longer life. Regular exercise will fight the fat, boost your energy, improve your mood and self esteem, increase immune function, fight cancer, ward off viruses, improve the quality of your sleep, strengthen your muscles and your heart, lower high blood pressure, improve arthritis and many other common conditions.
Read more about getting started on an exercise program.
Source: “Doctor’s Orders: Brain’s Wiring Makes Change Hard”, MedPage Today/ABC News, February 2010
February 1st, 2010 by Nina Thompson, ARNP
Half the population of the industrialized countries has a deficiency in magnesium. A deficit in this important mineral has been linked with allergies, asthma, attention deficit disorder, anxiety, heart disease, muscle cramps and other conditions. And now researchers are finding evidence that magnesium may also play an important role in memory and learning.
In a recent study from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, mice given extra doses of a new magnesium compound had better learning abilities and working memories. This is an interesting study in that it provides evidence that a magnesium deficit may lead to decreased memory and learning ability, while an abundance of magnesium may improve cognitive function. The findings, described in the Jan. 28 issue of the journal Neuron, are early however. Before we start taking magnesium supplements, more research needs to be done.
It’s good to keep in mind, however, that the average adult needs to consume between 300 and 400 milligrams of magnesium a day from magnesium-rich foods such as dark green leafy vegetables.
Source: Magnesium May Boost Brain Power, Fox News Health, February 1, 2010
Source: “Health Tip: Finding Magnesium in Food”, Health Day, January 14, 2010
Source: American Dietetic Association, www.eatright.org, February 2010
January 29th, 2010 by Nina Thompson, ARNP
Low levels of vitamin D are associated with greater asthma severity, report researchers in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. In their recent study, low levels of vitamin D correlated with poorer lung function, increased airway reactivity, and reduced response to steroid treatment in adult asthmatics. As a result of these findings, the researchers suggest that vitamin D supplements might improve symptoms in some asthma patients, but this particular study did not specifically prove that vitamin D supplements would reduce asthma symptoms.
The importance of Vitamin D is considered to be one of the top 10 medical breakthroughs of 2007 and researchers are continuing to find evidence of its critical importance in immune function and many other systems in the body.
In recent years, low Vitamin D levels have been linked with a number of serious, chronic diseases such as weak bones and muscles, mental decline in elderly, diabetes, gum disease, multiple sclerosis, peripheral neuropathy, osteoporosis, and possibly cancer, stroke, and heart disease have all been found to be associated with low levels of Vitamin D.
Yet despite the importance of this vitamin, a deficiency of Vitamin D remains widespread.
The National Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Medicine (IOM) has set the Upper Limits (UL) for vitamin D at 2,000 IU for children, adults, pregnant, and lactating women, and 1,000 IU for infants up to 12 months of age. A simple blood test can measure the circulating Vitamin D levels in your blood. Many doctors have recently been drawing blood levels of Vitamin D to to make sure patients are getting enough vitamin D to optimize good bone health and prevent chronic disease. Ask your doctor about this.
Read more about Vitamin D
Source: Sutherland E, et al “Vitamin D levels, lung function and steroid response in adult asthma” Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2010; DOI: 10.1164/rccm.200911-1710OC.
Source: “Low Vitamin D Worsens Asthma”, MedPage Today, January 28, 2010
January 28th, 2010 by Nina Thompson, ARNP
Sand at the beach may harbor the super bug MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), according to researchers from the University of Washington. Recently, public beaches in Seattle were tested by the researchers and nearly all of them contained staphylococci in the sand at the shoreline, with MRSA in half of the staph bacteria.
It is well known that staphylococci are frequently found in sand and salt water, but the more dangerous MRSA strain of staphylococci was unexpected by the researchers.
As a result of these findings, the investigators are recommending caution for beechgoers, especially those who have exposed cuts or abrasions, or those who are ”medically fragile”. Covering up with sand or digging down into the sand appears to increase the chance of coming in contact with a dangerous strain of staph, and a break in the skin provides the portal of entry for the super bug.
A thorough shower with lots of soap and water immediately after the beach is always a good idea, and any signs of infection, nodules, ulcerations, persistent rash, or fever are important signs that should be brought to the attention of your doctor.
Read more about MRSA
Source: Soge OO, et al “Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Methicillin-Resistant Coagulase-Negative Staphylococcus spp. (MRCoNS) from West Coast Public Marine Parks” ICAAC 2009; Poster C2-146.
Source: “MRSA Found on Beaches in Washington”, MedPage Today, September 2009
January 27th, 2010 by Nina Thompson, ARNP
A rare strain of the Super Bug, MRSA, has been found by researchers at the Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. The drug-resistant strain of Staphylococcus aureus is about five times more deadly than other strains, say researchers. In fact, half of the patients with bloodstream infections caused by this rare strain of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) died within 30 days of diagnosis.
At this point, the strain of MRSA, referred to as USA600, has been more common in Europe than the U.S.
See photos and read more about MRSA
Source: Moore CL, et al “USA600 Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (MRSA-b) Associated with reduced vancomycin susceptibility and significant mortality” IDSA 2009; Abstract LB-40.
Source: “Rare MRSA Strain Deadlier than Others”, MedPage Today, November 3, 2009
January 27th, 2010 by Nina Thompson, ARNP
Yes, a toilet seat can harbor a variety of germs. MRSA, pinworms, and viruses that cause diarrhea and vomiting are just some of the pathogens that can be transmitted to you by the toilet seat.
Researchers are now describing a new wave of irritating and itchy rash on the upper thighs and buttocks of children. Harsh chemical cleaners on toilet seats and/or exotic wooden toilet seats appear to be the main culprits causing this problem. A recent study from Johns Hopkins Children’s Center documents recent cases of toilet seat dermatitis in children, some of whom suffered for years before being diagnosed.
Toilet seat dermatitis was first documented and described in 1927 when varnish, lacquers, and paints were used on wooden toilet seats. In the 1980s and 1990s, plastic toilet seats replaced wooden ones and sanitary seat covers came into use. These changes were associated with a dramatic decline in the condition.
Recently, however exotic wooden toilet seats, as well as harsh toilet seat detergents have made a resurgence in popularity. Cleaners with ingredients such as didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride and alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, are being used as toilet seat cleansers although they have previously been documented to cause severe skin irritation.
To prevent any of these conditions, avoid sitting directly on a toilet seat or use a protective barrier in public restrooms. Avoid harsh cleansers at home and replace all wooden toilet seats with plastic ones.
Read more about the Super Bug, MRSA
Source: “Toilet Seat Dermatitis Making a Comeback”, MedPage Today, January 2010
Source: Center for Disease Control
January 26th, 2010 by Nina Thompson, ARNP
Researchers in Israel have found a new blood test that detects early colorectal cancer and precancerous adenomas.
This is very exciting news, but don’t cancel your colonoscopy yet. The blood test is still under investigation and is not yet available. Colonoscopy remains the best way to detect early colon cancer, the second leading cause of cancer deaths.
The current recommendations are for all patients to have screening colonoscopy at age 50 and every 10 years thereafter. Some physicians, however, recommend more frequent screening at 5-year intervals. Also, those at increased risk for colon cancer may be advised to undergo colonoscopy at an earlier age with more frequent follow-ups. Check with your primary care provider to find out what is best for you.
Read more about colonoscopy
Source: “Blood Test Detects Colorectal Cancer”, MedPage Today, January 21, 2010
