From Nutri News
Many of us drink decaffeinated coffee in the belief that it is healthier than the caffeinated version. But is it really any good for us or are we being misled?
Coffee contains three stimulants: caffeine, theobromine and theophylline. Although the worst offender, caffeine, has been removed from the decaf, the other two stimulants remain present. Hence, decaf coffee may still impact the autonomic nervous system, causing a host of physiological symptoms, although maybe not quite as noticeable. In addition, regular and decaf coffee also contain a substance called chlorogenic acid, which can raise both cholesterol and homocysteine, both of which are known to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
The method of decaffeination is another source of concern for decaf coffee drinkers; some of the ways in which the caffeine has been removed from the coffee could actually be making it much more harmful to drink than regular coffee. Coffee is most commonly decaffeinated using one of two methods: either a water process or one which uses harmful chemical solvents. It is obviously preferable to choose manufacturers that are using the water process to decaffeinate their coffee, and any reputable company should be able to tell you which one they use.
On balance, decaf coffee could never really be described as a ‘healthy option’ but, for hardened coffee drinkers, it can certainly help to reduce caffeine in the diet. Unfortunately though, decaf coffee is never going to be able to compete with the real healthy alternatives such as dandelion coffee, redbush tea or fruit and herbal infusions – the ones that are really going to do you some good!
Friday 2 February 2007
Thursday 1 February 2007
Workplace smoke exposure 'doubles cancer risk'
From net doctor.co.uk
People who are highly exposed to smoke in their places of work are twice as likely to contract lung cancer as a result, it has been claimed.
By reanalysing 22 separate existing studies, US scientists say they have proved that passive smoking significantly increases the risk of lung cancer. Publishing their results in the American Journal of Public Health, researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago say that even light levels of smoke exposure raise the likelihood of lung cancer by 24 per cent. Lead author Leslie Stavner, an epidemiologist at the university, and the research team complemented their findings by analysing workers' level and duration of exposure to passive smoke and instances of lung cancer. "We believe this provides the strongest evidence to date of the relationship between workplace environmental tobacco smoke and lung cancer," Professor Stavner writes. A smoking ban in public places is expected to be enforced in England from the beginning of July this year onwards.
© Adfero Ltd
People who are highly exposed to smoke in their places of work are twice as likely to contract lung cancer as a result, it has been claimed.
By reanalysing 22 separate existing studies, US scientists say they have proved that passive smoking significantly increases the risk of lung cancer. Publishing their results in the American Journal of Public Health, researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago say that even light levels of smoke exposure raise the likelihood of lung cancer by 24 per cent. Lead author Leslie Stavner, an epidemiologist at the university, and the research team complemented their findings by analysing workers' level and duration of exposure to passive smoke and instances of lung cancer. "We believe this provides the strongest evidence to date of the relationship between workplace environmental tobacco smoke and lung cancer," Professor Stavner writes. A smoking ban in public places is expected to be enforced in England from the beginning of July this year onwards.
© Adfero Ltd
Wednesday 31 January 2007
What Doctors Don't Tell You 31/01/07
Taken from What Doctors Don't Tell You E-News:
Cure for snoring: A reader has been told that she snores badly and is looking for alternative treatments to cure the problem. She thinks it is a weak uvula, which seems to vibrate on exhalation. “I’ve tried throat sprays, but a couple of times, I’ve woken up choking, gasping for breath,” she says. She’s also investigated LAUP—laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty—as well as bipolar radiofrequency treatment and the nasal laser treatment under local anaesthetic, but she’d like to take a natural route if possible. Can anyone offer advice?
Several readers suggest you may have sleep apnea, a sleep disorder characterised by pauses in breathing. Loud snoring and choking or gasping during sleep are signs of sleep apnea, so it may be worth getting checked out by your doctor. Before you do, get your partner to keep a sleep diary for you recording your awakenings and snoring patterns. Alternatively, you can use a tape recorder to monitor your own sleeping patterns, or visit a sleep centre for observation.
If you do have sleep apnea, many readers report that a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine can solve the problem.
Linda, however, reckons snoring is simply a sign of getting older. “As we age the uvula, or soft palate, loses its elasticity – just like the rest of our muscles,” she says. “Consequently, it gets flabbier and flops and vibrates more easily. In theory, doing palatal exercises should help to firm and tone it.” She recommends the following exercises:
Get some dried peas, two saucers and a straw. Practise using the straw to suck up the peas from one saucer to the other.
Practise alternating speech sounds. Try repeating “ma pa ma pa ma pa” and “na ta na ta na ta” for a minute or two each day.
Another form of exercise that may help with snoring is yoga. “I had a yoga teacher who reported that her clients found this [stopping snoring] a big benefit of her classes,” says Jo. “It makes sense, given the emphasis on breath control.”
Other readers suggest various products for treating the problem. Cath has found the Snorban device very effective, while Roger extols the virtues of Rest Quiet. To find out more visit www.snorban.co.uk and www.restquiet.com.
Finally, a couple of readers say snoring is related to weight. “I started snoring when I put on a bit of weight after menopause,” explains one woman. “When my BMI is 24, I do not snore.” Michael simply says, “Cure for snoring? Lose weight. It works wonders!”
Dribbling: A reader is worried about his four-year-old son who is constantly dribbling: “For as long as I can remember he has dribbled everyday. Sometimes he gets a bad rash on his chin as a result.” Do readers have any advice?
Adrian reckons the problem could be hereditary. Both his sons dribbled until they were five, and his brother was the same. He took his second son to a speech therapist, who found nothing out of the ordinary, but offered some useful advice. He suggested encouraging his son to use a straw to improve the muscles and the swallowing reflexes. It’s certainly worth a try.
Another reader advises having your son checked out by his GP and dentist first, to rule out any underlying cause. Your next step should be to explain to your son why his chin gets sore, and remind him to swallow before talking. Also, don’t let him use a dummy or suck his thumb. It may be helpful to apply Vaseline to his chin, to act as a barrier and prevent a rash from forming.
Other readers recommend homeopathic remedies to solve the problem. Peter has seen Baryta carb work in a similar case, while Jacki reckons Merc sol might help. Visit a qualified homeopath for a personalised prescription.
Our last suggestion is from Christine, who says excessive dribbling could be a sign of allergies. It may be worth investigating this further, she says.
Fibroadenosis: A woman who is approaching 45 has recently had a lump in her breast diagnosed (by mammogram and ultrasound) as fibroadenosis. She has been told she 'must' have it removed or she 'must' have it retested by biopsy. She is unhappy about submitting to unnecessary surgery, especially as a DITI scan showed no abnormal activity in the area of the lump (which was ignored by the hospital). Can anyone offer advice? Are there any alternatives?
Several readers have written in with their own experiences:
“I had a fibroadenoma removed when I was 28 and it was OK. When I was around 50 I found another one, which was also removed and was found to contain a small cancerous lump. Cancer cells were not detected when cells were extracted in situ, but a mammogram obviously alerted the hospital to a potential problem. I believe an ultrasound probably reinforced their opinion that all was not OK but I was completely oblivious to the fact there might be a problem until I received the results of the biopsy. I had considered putting off having the lump removed but I was very glad I didn't! Removal of several lymph glands showed that the cancer had not spread and I had radiotherapy afterwards.”
“When I was diagnosed with a fibroadenoma in 1978, I did nothing for a time. I refused to be panicked by the doctors, who wanted to remove the lump, and I tried Tibetan medicine, which had no effect. After about six months, it had got quite a lot larger so I decided to have it removed before it grew any further. But I only decided on surgery because I did not want a large incision. I don’t think any harm would have come of the lump if I had simply left it.”
“My wife and I have been through this experience. The next step should be to have an MRI scan (magnetic resonance imaging) with intravenous contrast-media, then you can clearly see what kind of lump it is. If the diagnosis is a fibroadenoma then nothing has to be done and a yearly check-up with ultra-sound is sufficient (not a mammogram). Biopsy and "stamp-out" is not recommendable and unnecessary. In my wife's case, after six years, the fibroadenoma has not changed in shape and size and we just leave it alone.”
Finally, Kate from Australia advises you take care with regard to breast examinations – mammograms in particular. She strongly recommends the book Take Control of Your Health and Escape the Sickness Industry by Elaine Hollingsworth (Floradale Press, 2000). “She has a complete chapter on breast health and it is vital that people have this information,” says Kate.
Compromised immune system: A reader is eager for help and advice for her sister-in-law. She has just completed three courses of chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukaemia and is now looking to try alternative remedies to boost her reduced immune system. She is in remission but has been very ill recently with the side-effects of the chemo. Any suggestions?
“I recently completed six courses of chemo, but also saw a phytotherapist and nutritionist during treatment,” says Catherine. “They helped support my immune system with herbs, diet and nutritional supplements. It made a huge difference to the way I coped with it compared to others who just had chemo. I am still seeing the phytotherapist and following the diet (essentially wheat free and cows’ milk dairy free, with an emphasis on fruit and veg, pulses and seeds). I believe this could help a great deal with your sister-in-law’s recovery.”
Other readers agree that nutritional methods are key to boosting the immune system. Avril recommends the Gerson diet (see www.gerson.org), while Phoebe suggests supplementing with coenzyme Q10, magnesium, selenium and vitamins A, C and E. Herbal boosters Sutherlandia or Astragalus may also help, but if you are still undergoing chemotherapy, be sure to consult with your oncology team first.
According to Jason, the best all-in-one supplement on the market for boosting the immune system is a product called Vibe by Eniva. “It is an antioxidant multivitamin and mineral immune-boosting concentrate that has saved many peoples lives after near death from chemotherapy,” he says. “I take it everyday and feel great.” To find out more, visit www.eniva.com.
Barbara on the other hand recommends Iscador injections, which are made from the mistletoe plant. Iscador was developed in Switzerland and Germany in the 1920s by a group of doctors working with the philosopher Rudolf Steiner. It is now manufactured by Weleda and available on prescription. According to Barbara, you can opt for Iscador treatment at the Royal London Homeopathic Hospital in Great Ormond Street, London. In some cases, it is available on the NHS. Unfortunately, for Barbara it was not.
Other suggestions this week are goji juice (from the Himalayan goji berry), aloe vera juice and the Ayurvedic herbal food supplement, Maharishi Amrit Kalash.
Ganglion cyst: This reader is after thoughts and suggestions on a ganglion cyst, which has suddenly appeared on his wrist. Should he just leave it alone or should he seek treatment – and if so, what?
First of all, Heidi warns against hitting the cyst with a book – a traditional remedy recommended last week. “Aside from the initial pain, it made the problem worse,” she says.
For a pain-free option, why not try taping an old penny to the site as firmly as possible. Kirstie swears this will work – but you will have to keep it on for a couple of weeks or so.
Another suggestion is the ever-popular aloe vera gel. Margaret reckons the dramatic reduction of her ganglion cyst was down to her rubbing in this natural anti-inflammatory to the area morning and night. Jane on the other hand says the best remedy for getting rid of a ganglion is acupuncture, combined with massage. See a TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) practitioner for advice. On the subject of Chinese medicine, John has an interesting story: “When I was at school I developed a ganglion on the back of my hand, which wiggled under a tendon to appear on the other side of it. It became my 'party trick' and I found it most entertaining. I showed it to a Chinese classmate and he pressed a thumb to it. It disappeared, and along with it, my party trick!”
Frozen shoulder: A woman has been suffering from this condition for about four months. She is in constant pain and has a limited range of movement, which is now affecting her ability to sleep. Conventional treatment – as prescribed by her GP – is limited to anti-inflammatories. Can anyone suggest any effective alternatives, particularly for the reduction of pain?
This week, we have yet more praise for Bowen therapy. However, Kirsty, a newly qualified Bowen therapist, says that often a frozen shoulder can be caused by hormonal changes, for example, the menopause. In which case, Bowen won’t prove very effective, she advises. She recommends addressing the hormonal issues first (if necessary) and then seeking treatment for your shoulder.
Alternatively, perhaps there is an underlying emotional cause, in which case Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) may help. See www.emofree.com for more information.
Other readers suggest natural remedies to manage the pain: magnetic therapy (wearing a magnetic bracelet or armband, available from chemists), homeopathy, acupuncture, serrapeptase and turmeric.
Finally, according to Sue, it’s definitely worth investing in the book, Treat Your Own Frozen Shoulder by UK osteopath Simeon Niel-Asher (www.frozenshoulder.com, 2002). “I had almost full movement back within four months,” she reports.
Cure for snoring: A reader has been told that she snores badly and is looking for alternative treatments to cure the problem. She thinks it is a weak uvula, which seems to vibrate on exhalation. “I’ve tried throat sprays, but a couple of times, I’ve woken up choking, gasping for breath,” she says. She’s also investigated LAUP—laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty—as well as bipolar radiofrequency treatment and the nasal laser treatment under local anaesthetic, but she’d like to take a natural route if possible. Can anyone offer advice?
Several readers suggest you may have sleep apnea, a sleep disorder characterised by pauses in breathing. Loud snoring and choking or gasping during sleep are signs of sleep apnea, so it may be worth getting checked out by your doctor. Before you do, get your partner to keep a sleep diary for you recording your awakenings and snoring patterns. Alternatively, you can use a tape recorder to monitor your own sleeping patterns, or visit a sleep centre for observation.
If you do have sleep apnea, many readers report that a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine can solve the problem.
Linda, however, reckons snoring is simply a sign of getting older. “As we age the uvula, or soft palate, loses its elasticity – just like the rest of our muscles,” she says. “Consequently, it gets flabbier and flops and vibrates more easily. In theory, doing palatal exercises should help to firm and tone it.” She recommends the following exercises:
Get some dried peas, two saucers and a straw. Practise using the straw to suck up the peas from one saucer to the other.
Practise alternating speech sounds. Try repeating “ma pa ma pa ma pa” and “na ta na ta na ta” for a minute or two each day.
Another form of exercise that may help with snoring is yoga. “I had a yoga teacher who reported that her clients found this [stopping snoring] a big benefit of her classes,” says Jo. “It makes sense, given the emphasis on breath control.”
Other readers suggest various products for treating the problem. Cath has found the Snorban device very effective, while Roger extols the virtues of Rest Quiet. To find out more visit www.snorban.co.uk and www.restquiet.com.
Finally, a couple of readers say snoring is related to weight. “I started snoring when I put on a bit of weight after menopause,” explains one woman. “When my BMI is 24, I do not snore.” Michael simply says, “Cure for snoring? Lose weight. It works wonders!”
Dribbling: A reader is worried about his four-year-old son who is constantly dribbling: “For as long as I can remember he has dribbled everyday. Sometimes he gets a bad rash on his chin as a result.” Do readers have any advice?
Adrian reckons the problem could be hereditary. Both his sons dribbled until they were five, and his brother was the same. He took his second son to a speech therapist, who found nothing out of the ordinary, but offered some useful advice. He suggested encouraging his son to use a straw to improve the muscles and the swallowing reflexes. It’s certainly worth a try.
Another reader advises having your son checked out by his GP and dentist first, to rule out any underlying cause. Your next step should be to explain to your son why his chin gets sore, and remind him to swallow before talking. Also, don’t let him use a dummy or suck his thumb. It may be helpful to apply Vaseline to his chin, to act as a barrier and prevent a rash from forming.
Other readers recommend homeopathic remedies to solve the problem. Peter has seen Baryta carb work in a similar case, while Jacki reckons Merc sol might help. Visit a qualified homeopath for a personalised prescription.
Our last suggestion is from Christine, who says excessive dribbling could be a sign of allergies. It may be worth investigating this further, she says.
Fibroadenosis: A woman who is approaching 45 has recently had a lump in her breast diagnosed (by mammogram and ultrasound) as fibroadenosis. She has been told she 'must' have it removed or she 'must' have it retested by biopsy. She is unhappy about submitting to unnecessary surgery, especially as a DITI scan showed no abnormal activity in the area of the lump (which was ignored by the hospital). Can anyone offer advice? Are there any alternatives?
Several readers have written in with their own experiences:
“I had a fibroadenoma removed when I was 28 and it was OK. When I was around 50 I found another one, which was also removed and was found to contain a small cancerous lump. Cancer cells were not detected when cells were extracted in situ, but a mammogram obviously alerted the hospital to a potential problem. I believe an ultrasound probably reinforced their opinion that all was not OK but I was completely oblivious to the fact there might be a problem until I received the results of the biopsy. I had considered putting off having the lump removed but I was very glad I didn't! Removal of several lymph glands showed that the cancer had not spread and I had radiotherapy afterwards.”
“When I was diagnosed with a fibroadenoma in 1978, I did nothing for a time. I refused to be panicked by the doctors, who wanted to remove the lump, and I tried Tibetan medicine, which had no effect. After about six months, it had got quite a lot larger so I decided to have it removed before it grew any further. But I only decided on surgery because I did not want a large incision. I don’t think any harm would have come of the lump if I had simply left it.”
“My wife and I have been through this experience. The next step should be to have an MRI scan (magnetic resonance imaging) with intravenous contrast-media, then you can clearly see what kind of lump it is. If the diagnosis is a fibroadenoma then nothing has to be done and a yearly check-up with ultra-sound is sufficient (not a mammogram). Biopsy and "stamp-out" is not recommendable and unnecessary. In my wife's case, after six years, the fibroadenoma has not changed in shape and size and we just leave it alone.”
Finally, Kate from Australia advises you take care with regard to breast examinations – mammograms in particular. She strongly recommends the book Take Control of Your Health and Escape the Sickness Industry by Elaine Hollingsworth (Floradale Press, 2000). “She has a complete chapter on breast health and it is vital that people have this information,” says Kate.
Compromised immune system: A reader is eager for help and advice for her sister-in-law. She has just completed three courses of chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukaemia and is now looking to try alternative remedies to boost her reduced immune system. She is in remission but has been very ill recently with the side-effects of the chemo. Any suggestions?
“I recently completed six courses of chemo, but also saw a phytotherapist and nutritionist during treatment,” says Catherine. “They helped support my immune system with herbs, diet and nutritional supplements. It made a huge difference to the way I coped with it compared to others who just had chemo. I am still seeing the phytotherapist and following the diet (essentially wheat free and cows’ milk dairy free, with an emphasis on fruit and veg, pulses and seeds). I believe this could help a great deal with your sister-in-law’s recovery.”
Other readers agree that nutritional methods are key to boosting the immune system. Avril recommends the Gerson diet (see www.gerson.org), while Phoebe suggests supplementing with coenzyme Q10, magnesium, selenium and vitamins A, C and E. Herbal boosters Sutherlandia or Astragalus may also help, but if you are still undergoing chemotherapy, be sure to consult with your oncology team first.
According to Jason, the best all-in-one supplement on the market for boosting the immune system is a product called Vibe by Eniva. “It is an antioxidant multivitamin and mineral immune-boosting concentrate that has saved many peoples lives after near death from chemotherapy,” he says. “I take it everyday and feel great.” To find out more, visit www.eniva.com.
Barbara on the other hand recommends Iscador injections, which are made from the mistletoe plant. Iscador was developed in Switzerland and Germany in the 1920s by a group of doctors working with the philosopher Rudolf Steiner. It is now manufactured by Weleda and available on prescription. According to Barbara, you can opt for Iscador treatment at the Royal London Homeopathic Hospital in Great Ormond Street, London. In some cases, it is available on the NHS. Unfortunately, for Barbara it was not.
Other suggestions this week are goji juice (from the Himalayan goji berry), aloe vera juice and the Ayurvedic herbal food supplement, Maharishi Amrit Kalash.
Ganglion cyst: This reader is after thoughts and suggestions on a ganglion cyst, which has suddenly appeared on his wrist. Should he just leave it alone or should he seek treatment – and if so, what?
First of all, Heidi warns against hitting the cyst with a book – a traditional remedy recommended last week. “Aside from the initial pain, it made the problem worse,” she says.
For a pain-free option, why not try taping an old penny to the site as firmly as possible. Kirstie swears this will work – but you will have to keep it on for a couple of weeks or so.
Another suggestion is the ever-popular aloe vera gel. Margaret reckons the dramatic reduction of her ganglion cyst was down to her rubbing in this natural anti-inflammatory to the area morning and night. Jane on the other hand says the best remedy for getting rid of a ganglion is acupuncture, combined with massage. See a TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) practitioner for advice. On the subject of Chinese medicine, John has an interesting story: “When I was at school I developed a ganglion on the back of my hand, which wiggled under a tendon to appear on the other side of it. It became my 'party trick' and I found it most entertaining. I showed it to a Chinese classmate and he pressed a thumb to it. It disappeared, and along with it, my party trick!”
Frozen shoulder: A woman has been suffering from this condition for about four months. She is in constant pain and has a limited range of movement, which is now affecting her ability to sleep. Conventional treatment – as prescribed by her GP – is limited to anti-inflammatories. Can anyone suggest any effective alternatives, particularly for the reduction of pain?
This week, we have yet more praise for Bowen therapy. However, Kirsty, a newly qualified Bowen therapist, says that often a frozen shoulder can be caused by hormonal changes, for example, the menopause. In which case, Bowen won’t prove very effective, she advises. She recommends addressing the hormonal issues first (if necessary) and then seeking treatment for your shoulder.
Alternatively, perhaps there is an underlying emotional cause, in which case Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) may help. See www.emofree.com for more information.
Other readers suggest natural remedies to manage the pain: magnetic therapy (wearing a magnetic bracelet or armband, available from chemists), homeopathy, acupuncture, serrapeptase and turmeric.
Finally, according to Sue, it’s definitely worth investing in the book, Treat Your Own Frozen Shoulder by UK osteopath Simeon Niel-Asher (www.frozenshoulder.com, 2002). “I had almost full movement back within four months,” she reports.
Monday 29 January 2007
100% Juice as beneficial as fruits and Veg
From www.netdoctor.co.uk
Some 100 per cent fruit and vegetable juices can be just as effective in combating disease as the fruit and vegetables themselves, it has been found.
After analysing a range of studies, researchers in Britain concluded that when pertaining to preventing cancer and coronary disease, there is nothing proving that juices are not just as effective as their whole fruit counterparts. Disease fighting anti oxidants that are present in the juice of fruits and vegetables play as large a role as the fibre in fighting disease, the study concluded.
Dubbed Can pure fruit and vegetable juices protect against cancer and cardiovascular disease, too? the report suggested that further research is required to back its conclusions. Sue Taylor, with the Juice Products Association, a non profit organisation not associated with the research, said that juice consumption should be included in the diets of adults and children.And she also highlighted a recent epidemiological study from the Journal of Medicine which discovered that consuming 100 per cent fruit and vegetable juices could help prevent Alzheimer's disease.Consumption of fruit juice in the UK rose by 24 per cent last year, according to the latest Expenditure and Food Survey, published by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
© Adfero Ltd
What this study leaves out is the benefits of the fibre in fruit in terms of bowel health, and slowing th rise of blood sugar levels that would occur with pure fruit juice...... Katherine
What Do You Think?
Some 100 per cent fruit and vegetable juices can be just as effective in combating disease as the fruit and vegetables themselves, it has been found.
After analysing a range of studies, researchers in Britain concluded that when pertaining to preventing cancer and coronary disease, there is nothing proving that juices are not just as effective as their whole fruit counterparts. Disease fighting anti oxidants that are present in the juice of fruits and vegetables play as large a role as the fibre in fighting disease, the study concluded.
Dubbed Can pure fruit and vegetable juices protect against cancer and cardiovascular disease, too? the report suggested that further research is required to back its conclusions. Sue Taylor, with the Juice Products Association, a non profit organisation not associated with the research, said that juice consumption should be included in the diets of adults and children.And she also highlighted a recent epidemiological study from the Journal of Medicine which discovered that consuming 100 per cent fruit and vegetable juices could help prevent Alzheimer's disease.Consumption of fruit juice in the UK rose by 24 per cent last year, according to the latest Expenditure and Food Survey, published by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
© Adfero Ltd
What this study leaves out is the benefits of the fibre in fruit in terms of bowel health, and slowing th rise of blood sugar levels that would occur with pure fruit juice...... Katherine
What Do You Think?
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