Many Healthy Returns from the Magaziner Center
October 2000, Issue Number 7                                                     (856) 424-8222
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All the latest research and recommendations on how to enjoy a longer, healthier and more productive and energetic life.

In this issue:
  • An Apple a Day May Keep Strokes at Bay
  • Guarding Against Radon  -- an Invisible Cause of Lung Cancer
  • Indian Herbal Formula Eases Chemotherapy Side Effects
  • Synthetic Hormone Replacement  Adds to 

  • Breast Cancer Risk
  • A Fall Recipe for Homemade Apple Sauce
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An Apple a Day May Keep Strokes at Bay 

Eating apples may reduce your risk of having a stroke.  A study in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that people who eat an apple a day had a lower risk of thrombotic strokes (strokes caused by blood clots that interfere with blood circulation) than non-apple eaters. 

The researchers found lower stroke rates among men who ate more than 54 grams of apple a day and women who ate more than 71 grams of apple a day (about the equivalent of one apple). The researchers hypothesized that people who are likely to eat apples every day may also be more likely to have overall good diet and exercise habits.

The benefit may also come from a class of antioxidants called phenolic acids that are found in apples and other fresh fruits and vegetables. 

Unless you have specific food allergies or intolerance that would prevent you from doing so, we recommend you consume an assortment of at least seven servings of fresh fruits and vegetables daily.

 

 Guarding Against Radon -- an Invisible Cause of Lung Cancer 

Radon gas, produced by the breakdown of  radioactive uranium, was found in high amounts in 60% of the houses tested in a recent study. Research has determined that long-term exposure to this naturally occurring radioactive substance can increase the risk of lung cancer.. 

While researchers have acknowledged that cigarette smoking causes the vast majority of lung cancer deaths (more than 80% according to the American Cancer Society), radon continues to pose a significant environmental health hazard.  It's been estimated that more than 20,000 Americans die each year as a result of lung cancer caused by radon exposure.

It is recommended that all people have a contractor measure household radon concentrations. Concerned homeowners can reduce their radon exposure by sealing any cracks in the floor, particularly in the basement, and improving ventilation throughout the house. Drain openings, which can allow radon to leak into a home, should also be closed to insure minimum penetration of this dangerous gas. 
 

Indian Herbal Formula Eases Chemotherapy Side Effects
Cancer patients can significantly reduce the side effects of chemotherapy by taking an herbal formula called Amrit, according to research conducted on the ancient Indian medicine. "It makes chemotherapy more bearable for patients without interfering in the cancer treatment," said Dr. Hari Sharma, a professor emeritus and former director of cancer prevention and natural products research at Ohio State University. 

Patients reported Amrit improved their overall well-being during chemotherapy by reducing instances of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, insomnia, and anorexia (inability to eat), and boosted their energy levels.

Amrit is an antioxidant that contains 44 herbs and minerals, including large amounts of vitamins C and E, as well as beta carotene.  Taken together, the herbs increase a chemical in the liver that is responsible for cleansing toxins from the body that cause the side effects according to Sharma.

Unfortunately, many cancer patients don't use Amrit or other antioxidants, and thus remain uncomfortable throughout chemotherapy, because most traditional doctors are leery about natural medicine. Hopefully, research like Sharma's will give doctors the proof they need that herbs and antioxidants are effective treatments for various ailments. 

Synthetic Hormone Replacement Adds to Breast Cancer Risk

Use of hormone-replacement therapy with synthetic estrogen and progestin can  more than double the risk of a form of breast cancer, according to a recent study in the journal Cancer. Researchers studied over 500 women age 50 or older who took synthetic hormone replacement for at least six months, with an average use of four years.  In these women, it was found that the risk of developing lobular breast cancer was 2.6 times higher than in patients who did not take the hormones.  About 8.6 million women in the United States take the combination therapy treatment and 12 million take estrogen alone. 

Lobular cancer occurs in the milk-producing lobules and comprises about 10 percent of breast-cancer cases. The more common form of breast cancer that affects the milk delivering ducts is known as intraductal carcinoma.

Recent studies, including two this year, indicated a heightened risk of breast cancer among women using combination synthetic hormone therapy for at least five years. Other risk factors for breast cancer include a personal or family history of the disease, early menarche, late menopause, and not having children.  If you have been using synthetic hormone replacement or have a high risk of breast cancer, speak to our doctors about having a specialized hormone study that evaluates the level of both harmful and beneficial estrogen metabolites. 

A Fall Recipe for Homemade Apple Sauce

Start with eight large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced into quarters. Mixing different kinds of apples makes for a blending of tart and sweet flavors.

Microwave sliced apples, covered loosely with clear wrap for 15 to 20 minutes. 
If you prefer, you may boil the apples using a little water. Add nutmeg and cinnamon, no need to add sugar.  Enjoy the natural juices of the apple. 
Serve warm with a topping of raisins or vanilla nonfat yogurt.  It's a great healthy snack, dessert or lunch box treat. But most of all, it's EASY! 
Thank you to Jean Terry.

DISCLAIMER: The items in this newsletter are intended for informational purposes only.  Nothing in this newsletter is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis and advice.
 
 

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