Many of us have used the powers of cranberry to maintain urinary health.  Emerging science now suggests that this berry may also be useful against H. pylori, a bacterium that causes stomach ulcers.  Researchers at Tel Aviv University have found that cranberries may interfere with the adhesion of H. pylori to the stomach lining.  Proanthrocyanidins, which are antioxidant compounds found in the berry, may interfere with bacterial adhesion by wrapping around the bacteria.  The theory is that once enveloped in antioxidants, the bacteria are prevented from becoming infectious.  Perhaps cranberries will prove to be the ‘natural’ way of treating ulcers -- a safer remedy than the prescription trio of bismuth, Biaxin, and Prilosec.

 Ideas in medicine which were once considered "alternative" are now becoming mainstream.  An example is something we in the alternative medical community have known for years -- that many foods can trigger headaches via an allergic mechanism. Now, a new study supporting this thesis is chronicled in Neurology, the official journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

The study involved 10 patients with debilitating headaches whose MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) test suggested inflammation of the central nervous system. All had experienced occasional headaches and some suffered from unsteadiness and failure of muscle coordination. After removing gluten from their diets, nine of the 10 patients in the study found full or partial relief. (The remaining patient refused to go along.)  Gluten is a protein found in grains such as wheat, barley, oats and rye.

Hopefully, publication of this study will spark greater interest into the investigation of food allergies as a cause of chronic illnesses.  At the Magaziner Center, we have evaluated and treated food allergies in many patients, and have found that such allergies can not only bring on  headaches, but fatigue, muscle aches, bloating, excessive gas, constipation, diarrhea, skin rashes, difficulty in concentrating and depression, among other symptoms.  Perhaps in the next  quarter century, traditional medicine will begin to recognize the importance of food allergies as a cause of many maladies.  Let’s hope so.

Most Americans will suffer from back pain in their lifetime.  Numerous studies have shown traditional methods for treating acute back pain ineffective.  However, two new studies have shown heat therapy to be beneficial for this condition.  Subjects who experienced moderate to severe pain were randomized to receive one of three oral treatments (placebo, acetaminophen, or nothing) and one of three heat treatments (36 degrees Celsius, 38 degrees Celsius, or no heat).  The heat therapy was applied eight hours per day for three consecutive days.  In the end, the subjects who used the 38-degree heat wrap experienced significantly more pain relief and decreased disability than those who did not receive heat therapy.  The effect remained even 24 hours after therapy ceased.  A second study evaluated neck-pain subjects using a similar protocol.  Again, heat therapy was associated with significantly increased pain relief and decreased muscle tension and disability.

Why is this so important?

After any acute injury, the body attempts to heal itself.  While taking anti-inflammatory prescription drugs to ease discomfort, many sufferers experience a slowing of the healing process and develop chronic pain.  Heat, on the other hand, increases circulation to the injured area, and accelerates the healing process.   So if you’re afflicted with a muscle strain or back pain, consider a heating pad to provide relief.  One caveat: use the pad at 20-minute intervals to prevent skin burns.  Dr. Greenberg has been recommending heat therapy for his prolotherapy patients to aid tissue healing.  It really works!