In this issue...
Dear Readers,
Welcome to the July 2009 issue of True North's Tune-Up. We continue to emphasize "up stream" strategies for health in the areas of nutrition, mind-body, and lifestyle. Studies are from peer-reviewed scientific journals. Archived prior issues of the Tune-Up may be found at www.truenorthhealthcenter.org/tune_up_archives.asp.
To your health,
B. Joseph Semmes, MD
Director of Research, True North
Diplomate, American Boards of Internal Medicine, Critical Care Medicine (ABIM) and Emergency Medicine
bjsemmes@truenorthhealthcenter.org
Antioxidant supplements may block the health-promoting effects of exercise.
This study from investigators in Germany and Harvard is ranked the "most read article" this month of the esteemed Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Trained and untrained healthy young men who took Vitamin C 1000 mg and Vitamin E 400 IU had beneficial effects of exercise blocked. The healthy effects of exercise that were blocked were a lowering of insulin sensitivity and a reduction of gene stimulation to protect from oxidative stress.
Learn more about this study about antioxidants and exercise
Click here for a link to the full text - scroll down to #16 (it's free)
Omega 3s lower the risk of both macular degeneration and breast cancer
Omega 3 fatty acids from fish oils and nuts protect the aging eye from macular degeneration, the commonest cause of blindness in developed countries:
View article about Omega 3s role in protecting against macular degeneration
(free registration to Medscape.com is required to view this particular article)
Fish oil acts to reduce the gene expression that promotes survival of breast cancer cells.
Learn how fish oils help protect against breast cancer
Walnuts, also rich in omega 3 fatty acids, slow implanted human breast cancer growth in mice.
Read study about omega 3 fatty acids in walnuts
However, a multi-centered trial published this month did not show an anti-cancer benefit of increasing fish consumption for people at high risk of developing colon cancer.
Read this multi-centered trial report
Blood pressure and respiratory rates can synchronize with music
Many of us have suspected that music can be healing, now scientists are investigating. European cardiologists publishing in the June 2009 journal Circulation found that healthy musicians and non-musicians both displayed significant changes in subconscious physiologic variables listening to music. The authors suggest that music has a role in cardiovascular and cerebral healing.
Read this study linking music with cardiovascular and cerebral healing
Is it acceptable for people to take methylphenidate (Ritalin) to enhance performance?
This month's British Medical Journal provides two opposing views of the issue.
Read one view: YES
Read the opposing view: NO
Nutrients, activity, fatness affect colon cancer risk
Higher intake of animal fats, trans fats, omega 6 fats, refined carbohydrates and alcohol were associated with increased nuclear factor kappa B (nfkappa B) a cell signaling molecule that helps colon cancer cells avoid destruction. The ratio of omega 3 fatty acids (protective) to omega 6 fatty acids (potentially adverse) in the diet appears to suppress or promote colon cancer processes.
Learn about the effects of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids on colon cancer risk
The 2007 report Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity and the Prevention of Cancer: a Global Report summarized 7000 studies of sufficient quality. Red meat, processed meat, alcoholic drinks, abdominal fatness, and body fatness all convincingly increased risk of colorectal cancer. Decreased risk was associated with physical activity, foods containing dietary fiber, non-starchy vegetables, garlic, fruits, foods containing folate, foods containing Vitamin C, foods containing selenium, milk, calcium and selenium supplements.
Explore the diet and cancer report website
STAY TUNED!
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Disclaimer:
Information provided in the True North Tune-Up is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The information and links in this e-publication are intended to provide general education on the topics listed, but you should not use the information or links to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare practitioner. True North advises you to always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health practitioner prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
