In this issue:
Dear Readers,
Welcome to the June 2008 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.
This month, and through October, I also want to bring attention to our annual health care conference, "Relationship: Integrating the Science and Spirit of Healing." For information on the True North conference, which is approved for 19.5 CME and nursing contact hours, visit our website.
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
Exercise for a more functional brain (somewhat)
A recent Cochrane review looked at exercise for men and women without signs of dementia. Aerobic exercise appears to promote function in areas of motor function, cognitive speed, delayed memory functions and auditory and visual attention. However, the majority of comparisons (of domains of cognitive function) yielded no significant results. Expert investigators may need to look carefully at the impact of exercise on subsets of brain function.
Read Cochrane review of exercise
Vitamin C and E supplementation do not protect from dementia
This study of 2900 people over 65 without dementia suggests that supplementation with Vitamins C or E or a combination thereof over 5.5 years, did not protect them from developing dementia.
Read Vitamin C and E Dementia study
Gut bacteria may play an important role in obesity
This Mayo clinic review article suggests that depending on the kind of bacteria living in one's gut, one may be susceptible or resistant to developing obesity. The trillions of bacteria that reside in the human gastrointestinal tract affect nutrient absorption and energy regulation. Obese and lean people appear to have different gut microflora. This opens the possibility that supplementation with particular "probiotic" bacterial strains may help in obesity. Fascinating, though not ready for prime time. It has not been shown that consuming more bacteroidetes and limiting firmicutes would actually work. We'll stay "tuned".
Learn about the role of gut bacteria in obesity
Green leafy vegetables cut lung cancer risk by 50%
Spanish investigators studied the diets of 235 lung cancer patients and matched controls and found that the intake of green leafy vegetables, especially spinach, (but not fruit intake) was associated with a 50% lower incidence of lung cancer.
Read Spanish study on green leafy vegetables
Black tea consumption reduces the risk of Parkinson's disease.
This study of 63,000 Chinese men and women showed that those who drank about 6 oz of black tea daily had a 71% lower incidence of Parkinson's disease. The authors thought the effect was due to ingredients other than caffeine. I hesitate to mention the other finding, that cigarette smoking was equally effective. Please don't light up.
Learn about the black tea study
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.
