Yellow and Green: A Recipe for Staying in Circulation? 

There is an important phytonutrient lurking deep inside green leafy vegetables and egg yolks known as lutein. Researchers reported in Circulation: The Journal of the American Heart Association that this pigment may prevent clogging of the carotid arteries.  A three-part study involving humans, artery biopsies, and mice, examined the impact of lutein on atherosclerosis in carotid arteries. Carotid-artery thickness is an indication of atherosclerosis throughout the body that can then lead to heart attack and stroke.  In the study, lutein reduced artery thickness. 

Lutein, like beta-carotene, is in a class of nutrients called carotenoids.  However, beta-carotene itself did not show any protective benefits for atherosclerosis.  Consuming foods high in lutein is important not only to stave off heart disease, but also has been clinically shown to prevent macular degeneration -- a cause of blindness in the elderly.  At the Magaziner Center for Wellness, we have had success in treating macular degeneration with lutein and other antioxidants. 

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Cranberry Juice Tops Probiotics in Preventing Urinary Infections 

A study of 150 Finish women showed drinking a glass of cranberry-ligonberry juice was twice as effective in preventing urinary infections as drinking a glass of a milky liquid that contained probiotics (friendly bacteria). 

Urinary tract infections are caused when the bladder becomes inflamed from bacteria that normally live in the bowel. This condition mostly affects women because of the proximity of the two areas. It is common among the elderly and  in sexually active young women but relatively rare in males.  Estimates state there are at least 300 million cases of urinary tract infections worldwide each year. In the United States, there are about 11.5 million cases per year. These infections are traditionally treated with antibiotics, but experts worry that the bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant to the drugs. Cranberry juice may be a helpful agent in preventing a significant number of these infections. 

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About a year ago, a study surprised the medical world by indicating that diets high in fiber did not protect against colon cancer.  While this study was publicized in the national news media as definitive, it was poorly constructed and its data was sketchy.  However the largest study of its kind has now shown fiber intake does indeed protect against colon cancer. 

Over 400,000 Europeans were followed for several years.  Those who consumed the highest amounts of fiber, as found in fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, had a 40 percent reduction in the risk of colon cancer. 

Let us examine why this happens.  When we ingest fiber, bacterial digestion forms a fatty acid known as butyrate. Butyrate is a "natural chemotherapy" agent that causes colon cancer cells to die.  When the internal environment is not conducive to abnormal cell growth, the risk of colon cancer decreases.  However, what happens to the body when we eat red meats is quite the opposite. 

Red meats can create cancer-promoting chemical compounds known as nitrosamines.  These nasty little chemicals are also found in another notorious source, cigarette smoke.  Nitrosamines can trigger normal colon cells to inappropriately divide.  When any cell divides too frequently, the potential for cancer develops. 

Nitrosamine compounds are more prevalent in red meat than in white meat. They are most prevalent, however, in smoked and preserved meats such as pastrami, salami, bacon, corned beef, and ham.  Although these compounds are present in lesser amounts in veal, lamb, and steak, it is best to limit your intake of these to achieve optimal health. 

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Here at the Magaziner Center, we’ve had years of experience in diagnosing mercury toxicity in both children and adults.  We have seen this heavy metal contribute to autism and learning disorders, hypertension, memory loss, immune-system dysfunction and chronic fatigue syndrome, among other disorders.  Fortunately, we have had good clinical results in detoxifying patients suffering from this condition. But many conventional medical practices have ignored the impact of mercury on the human body. 

Now, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is urging parents to throw out their mercury thermometers for fear that breakage could expose children to harmful mercury vapors.  Alternative types of thermometers, however, are not as accurate as those containing mercury.  In addition, disposing of the latter could have a significant environmental impact. 

The AAP also is urging parents to limit the amount of fish their kids eat, since certain types of fish contain high levels of organic mercury. It advises that young children eat no more than two ounces of cooked fish or three ounces of uncooked just once a week.
 
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We have received many questions regarding another bit of misdirected research.  At the University of Pennsylvania, a biochemist mixed large quantities of vitamin C with DNA and other agents, finding the mixture caused DNA damage. The researchers involved -- who lacked the benefit of any clinical experience – concluded that vitamin C causes DNA damage which can lead to cancer, and recommended that supplements of vitamin C should not be used. 

This test-tube study has very little clinical impact, except to irresponsibly alarm the public.  There are hundreds of human studies that correlate high doses of vitamin C to a lower risk of cancer.   Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects against free-radical damage.  Vitamin C is also responsible for regenerating the antioxidant powers of fat-soluble vitamins such as Vitamin E and works in concert with several other antioxidants such as selenium and glutathione. 

While the media may decide to use "medical breakthrough" stories to entice you, many times there are other motivating factors.  Many medical broadcasts are either funded by pharmaceutical companies or insurance companies and are subject to bias.  Rather than accept them as gospel, it’s a far better idea to rely on a trusted and knowledgeable physician for information regarding nutrient supplement and vitamins. 

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