Here's a link from pubmed on the importance of coQ10 for heart function and it's depletion by statin drugs.
October 2009 Archives
Here's a link from pubmed on the importance of coQ10 for heart function and it's depletion by statin drugs.
Dr. Sarah
Will tracking of 2009 H1N1 hospitalizations and deaths after August 30 be the same as it was in the spring and summer?
No, tracking of 2009 H1N1 hospitalizations and deaths will not be the same after August 30, 2009. In an effort to add additional structure to the national 2009 H1N1 reporting, new case definitions for influenza-associated hospitalizations and deaths were implemented on August 30, 2009. The new definitions allow states to report to CDC hospitalizations and deaths (either confirmed OR probable) resulting from all types of influenza, not just those from 2009 H1N1 flu. This is a broader set of data than states were previously reporting as it now includes 1) laboratory-confirmed influenza for all types of influenza, and 2) pneumonia and influenza cases identified from hospital records, most of which will not be laboratory confirmed.
IBD Patients Only
Long's team took a closer look at just the IBD patients in the study and the specific medicines they took. Several types of medications are used to treat IBD, with a goal of decreasing excess activity of the immune system. Long compared 742 IBD patients with skin cancer to 2,968 IBD patients without skin cancer.
Among the findings:
- Use of any immunosuppressant medicines in the past 90 days increased risk of skin cancer by 3.2, she found.
- Thiopurine medicine boosted the risk the most, followed by biologics. Among thiopurines are mercaptopurine (Purinethol) and azathioprine (Imuran). Biologics include infliximab ( Remicade) and others.
- Long-term use, defined as a year or more, was more strongly associated with risk of skin cancer. Those who had taken the thiopurine medicines for more than a year, for instance, had a fourfold increased risk of skin cancer; Crohn's patients on long-term biologics had a twofold increased risk.
Exactly why the medications seem to boost the risk of nonmelanoma skin cancers, Long says, isn't certain.
Source:
Webmd. Some IBD Drugs May Raise Skin Cancer Risk. (online). October 27, 2009.
Air Quality In Your Home
A recent article in Integrative Practicioner by Jillian Capodice, LAc highlighted some basic techniques to evaluate air quality in the home. Poor air quality and environmental pollution has been linked to an increase in various chronic diseases, including asthma and neurological disorders. Therefore, simple steps to eliminate and evaluate of indoor air pollution can help improve your health!
Dr. Capodice suggested the following assessments to monitor if air quality in your home may be compromised:
1. An increased amount of time stale smells and cooking odor lingers
2. Mold growth in wet areas
3. Any signs and symptoms of family members that suggest poor air quality including: dizziness and headaches, shortness of breath, itchy eyes, sinus congestion
4. Outdoor construction is taking place outside your home.
The following are tips to Green Your Home:
1. Reduce toxic/chemical based cleaning and personal care products and replace them with natural cleansers. (Hint: look for caution or warning signs on the backs of bottles. If ER visits from swallowing the cleanser is recommended, it's probably not natural).
2. Do not smoke inside
3. Exhaust and clean stoves
4. Use HEPA filters
5. Brighten your rooms with green plants to increase ozone and clean the air
Source:
Copodice, Jillian, LAc. Air Quality and Traditional Oriental Medicine. Integrative Practitioner. (online). October 27, 2009.
Rosen, Lawrence. MD. Children's Health and the Environment: A Call to Action. Integrative Practitioner. (online). October 27, 2009.
The list of dangerous ingredients is quite long -- the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health has stated that nearly 900 of the chemicals used in cosmetics are toxic -- but here are some of the major ones that you will definitely want to avoid:
Paraben, a chemical found in underarm deodorants and other cosmetics that has been shown to mimic the action of the female hormone estrogen, which can drive the growth of human breast tumors.
Phthalates, plasticizing ingredients (present in nearly three-quarters of 72 products tested by the Environmental Working Group), which have been linked to birth defects in the reproductive system of boys and lower sperm-motility in adult men, among other problems.
Musks, used as fragrances, can accumulate in your body, and have been linked to skin irritation, hormone disruption, and cancer in laboratory studies.
Artificial fragrances, which are among the top five known allergens, and can cause asthma and trigger asthma attacks.
Methylisothiazolinone (MIT), a chemical used in shampoo to prevent bacteria from developing, which may have detrimental effects on your nervous system.
Toluene, made from petroleum or coal tar, and found in most synthetic fragrances. Chronic exposure linked to anemia, lowered blood cell count, liver or kidney damage, and may affect a developing fetus.
Mineral Oil, Paraffin, and Petrolatum, these products coat your skin like plastic, clogging pores and creating a build-up of toxins. They also slow cellular development, which can cause you to show earlier signs of aging, and are a suspected cause of cancer and disruption to hormonal activity.
1.0 mcg per 0.5 ml dose for influenza vaccines (which equals 2 mcg/ml)
0.5 mcg per 0.5 ml dose for all other vaccines (which equals 1 mcg/ml
Here is another Link to studies on mercury and its effect on the brain
What to Do with the Upcoming Sniffle Season:
Recently, a lot of my clients have been "coming down with bronchitis" and other flu-like symptoms.
I wanted to share with you some ways to help you protect yourself naturally:
I. Take good care of yourself and practice stress reduction techniques.
High stress can lead to adrenal burnout, this affects your immune system and thyroid gland!
II. Get enough sleep
It's important to allow your body time to heal. Your best times for rejuvenation are between 10pm-1am, so try to get to bed between 10 and 11pm.
III. Boost your immune function
Consult with an Integrative Doctor or functional medical practitioner for an individualized plan to support your genetic predispositions and boost your immune system. Whole food nutrition and lifestyle support are essential.
IV. Immune Supporting & Rejuvenation Protocol:
Doses specified to your individual needs and supplements are usually ordered by your health care practitioner. (They have access to high quality, therapeutic products). Otherwise, make sure you know the quality of the supplements you are buying!
1. Vitamin D
2. Immuplex, allerplex or Congaplex: whole food nutrition for immune system support
3. RC, Raven, & thieves essential oils
Thieves can be applied to the feet everyday for preventative measures
4. Probiotics
I recommend the following to my patients: Flora 20-14, Renew for Life, or theracomplete
5. Minerals
6. Green products such as chlorophyll
7. Adrenal and Insulin regulating supplements
In my practice I use: adrenal complex, adrenal response, licorice, metabolic synergy, endotrim, drenamin, and endoflex essential oil
Artificial Sweeteners
Dr. Mercola recently posted an article on artificial sweeteners and the dangers associated with their consumption.
Biochemically, artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, can cause significant neurotransmitter imbalances in your brain. This is due to the fact that its chemical makeup of phenyalalanine, aspartic acid, and methanol releases toxic by-products and excess free radicals when they are broken down by your body.
Aspartame use has been linked to headaches, vision disturbances, cancer, mood disturbances, digestive disturbances, and chronic diseases including diabetes, Alzheimer's, and heart disease.
Due to the fact that these sweeteners can cross the blood-brain barrier, they can become addictive and hard to stop. In fact, stopping cold turkey can create withdrawal symptoms such as headache and diarrhea. I always recommend baby steps and gentle re-balancing when someone is trying to break a habit. It may help to find an integrative or functional doctor that can help you re-balance your biochemistry through various lifestyle changes and nutritional support to make the transition easier.
Which Produce is it Worth to Go Organic?
A recent report by MSNBC summarized findings from the Environmental Working Group on which produce contains the most and least amount of pesticide exposure.
Follow this link to see which produce is worth the extra cost of purchasing organic to reduce your risk of pesticide exposure!
Source: Is it Worth it to Buy Organic. MSNBC.com. October 2009. (online)
More information on the dangers of pesticides can be found here.
Here's an excerpt from the article:
Pesticides and Your Health
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 90 percent of fungicides, 60 percent of herbicides and 30 percent of insecticides are known to cause cancer.
Lab studies also indicate pesticides can cause other serious health problems, including:
Infertility
Birth defects, miscarriages and stillbirths
Learning disorders
Aggressive behavior
Nerve damage
Cancer of the breast, prostate and lymphatic system
- Maintaning and ideal body weight (BMI between 18.5-24)
- Limiting Alcohol consumption
- Breastfeeding for 6 months
- Exercise
Reminder:
Don't forget to check out my "Top Reads of the Month" (http://dr-lobisco.com/blog/?p=137) updated bi-weekly. In these posts, I share links and give summaries of articles from some of my best sources in natural medicine and the latest in medical journals!! October's links include information on:
· weight loss
· research using food to prevent cancer
· cell phones & EMF
· Dr. Northrup's view on mammography & thermography
· organic foods
· what produce to avoid, and much more!!
My latest website blog
10/7/2009
Mood Imbalances Part II:
The Estrogen-Serotonin Connection
By Dr. Sarah LoBisco, ND
http://dr-lobisco.com/blog/?p=139
The Latest News for Dr. LoBisco:
1. I have been asked to join a list of top functional medical doctors and leading integrative health care practitioners in contributing audio articles to a new website for women seeking natural hormonal solutions!!! I will be blogging on this site and may be offering teleseminars and webinars! I am very honored and exited to share my experience with a wider national/international audience! So, be sure to check my website in the next few weeks for a new link to a new website!
2. Due to increasing traveling for presentations, trainings in integrative and functional medicine, and requests for articles on other sites, I will probably be cutting back on weekly health feedbacks for my original site. However, I will be keeping you up to date with links to my latest blogs and will continue to post on facebook's Dr. Sarah's Naturopathic Medicine group, Saratoga.com and on my monthly top reads.
3. I want to thank all my patients for your support and hard work! You are the most incredible group of individuals and I am pleased to be a part of your wellness journey! Here's this week's feedback! Enjoy!
In health and joy,
Dr. Sarah J
Antioxidants & Aging
A recent review in the Naturopathic Medical Journal concluded that supplementation which included either a multivitamin, vitamin D, vitamin C, B-complex, or vitamin E all resulted in increased telomere length. Telomeres are found in our DNA at the end of chromosmes and are used to prevent aging in the cell. This study has important implications in the field of nutrition and genetics, AKA nutriogenomics, and the effect of important food components on aging.
Source: Jenning, K. Can Multivitamins & Antioxidants Slow the Aging Process. Natural Medicine Journal. October 2009.
What's the Best Way to Get Antioxidants?
Another article in Citizen Times, written by Steven Coward, ND suggested the best and cheapest way to get antioxidants may be from whole foods, rather than supplements. Dr. Coward explains how antioxidants work by suppressing damage to the cell from free radicals and compares ORAC (oxygen radical absorbing capacity) of various foods.
I support the whole food philosophy, but I do believe that additional supplemental reinforcement is needed in today's world. We are up against more toxins and chemicals than our ancient predecetors and potential damage due to the food we eat, air we breath, and the stressful emotions we feel can drain the body. Furthermore, a recent article in the Wall Street Journal reported that fewer than 10% of High School Students are getting the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables.
Therefore, for the modern busy person, having some additional supplementation with antioxidants in the form of a quality whole food multivitamin or phytonutrients from various herbs or essential oils can be very helpful and ensure a long, healthy, life!
Note: An integrative or functional medical practicioner can help to tailor a specific antioxidant and nutrient profile that not only fits your antioxidant requirements, but also uses supplements specific to your unique biochemical individuality.
Source: Coward, Steven. What is the Best Way to Get Antioxdants in the Diet? Citizen Times.com. September 29, 2009. (online)
Associated Press. Kids Eat Few Fruits, Veggies. Wall Street Journal. September 30, 2009. (online)
More Support on How Food and Lifestyle can Affect our DNA!
I just read a very exciting research abstract on increased telomere length measurements associated with positive lifestyle changes! The study was published in Lancet Oncology in 2008. In the study, 30 men were followed after making significant lifestyle changes. At the conclusion, telomere length was measured and blood markers were taken. The results indicated increased telomere length, decreased cholesterol markers, and better immune function. The authors concluded that positive lifestyle factors were significantly associated with telomere length and overall health markers.
Source: Ornish, D. Et al. The Lancet Oncolocy. Volume 9, issue 11, pages 1048-1057,November 2008
Exercise Makes You Younger!
Exercise is important for many reasons. One is that it decreases your chance of muscle wasting with age, a condition called sarcopenia. It also increases lean muscle, which burns more calories than fat, and aids in maintaining healthy circulation to better regulate your blood sugar levels. Also, exercise has been shown to decrease inflammation and inflammation is a key player in most diseases including heart disease, irritable bowel syndrome, osteoporosis, diabetes, osteoporosis, and many more.
Still, one of the neatest thing I've learned this week is that exercise can make you younger! In a recent webinar, Joel Evans from the FMU (Functional Medicine University), presented various research studies suggesting that exercise boosts mitochondria biogensis through modulation of the PGC-alpha gene. (Mitochondria is the cell's powerhouse for energy metabolism). This means that a link between the anti-aging genes, Sirt1, mitochondria, exercise, and longevity is created !
Want more information:
If You Don't Use It, You Lose It. The Importance of Exercise (Dr. Mercola)
Exercise Makes You Happy!
Various studies have confirmed that exercise is as effective or more effective than conventional drugs.
My latest health feedback provides more information on mood imbalances and is the beginning of a series.
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Reisa Mehlman
As a New York State Licensed Aesthetician, New York State Licensed Nail Specialist, and the Director of Living Well Healing Arts Center & Spa, Reisa combines her love of spa services and healing arts to achieve optimum skin and nail health, create greater overall wellness and bring forth our optimal, individual beauty.
"I believe that the day spa should be an instant getaway; a place that is quiet without being stuffy, relaxed, elegant and yet entirely comfy. You should feel warm and welcome, surrounded by people who care about you and what they are doing. This is the environment we strive to create at Living Well Healing Arts Center & Spa. Here, you are never just the "next" number; we allow ample time for your services, offer a flexible schedule and can be reached after hours. After all, to me, spa craft is not really a business, it's a lifestyle."
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Dr. Sarah Lobisco
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