In this issue...
Dear Readers,
Welcome to the June 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.
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
Walk for healthy living. Explore the evidence and Portland, Maine trails.
Walking regularly promotes health, well-being and prevents disability. Get a pedometer, as evidence previously displayed in the Tune Up shows that wearing one increases the daily distance walked. Overcome obstacles (i.e. women feeling vulnerable should walk in twos or threes). Explore the Evidence-Based studies through the Oxford University UK Bandolier link below and then explore the Portland Maine Trails shown in the second link.
Read about exercise and healthy living
Explore Portland Trails around Portland, Maine
Dietary nitrite (a black sheep molecule) is emerging as the heart- protecting component of the Mediterranean diet
Long indicted as the cause of GI cancer-promoting nitrosamines, dietary nitrite in leafy greens, cured meats and drinking water, may be the component of the Mediterranean diet that is strongly protective of the heart. The "French paradox" (how the French can eat so much apparently unhealthy food but have lower rates of heart disease) may be explained in part by the role of dietary nitrites and nitrates in generating nitric oxide, dilating blood vessels and in protecting cardiac cell mitochondria.
Learn about how dietary nitrite and nitrate protect the heart
Read more about nitrites and nitrates
Learn about the nitrate-nitrite-nitric oxide pathway in physiology and therapeutics
Green tea component and the culinary spice turmeric have anti cancer actions in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
A Mayo Clinic trial studied 33 patients taking a green tea extract in capsule form twice daily, ranging in doses from 400 to 2,000 milligrams. Patients were able to withstand EGCG in very high doses, so high that researchers believe they have not yet reached a maximum dose.
"The majority of individuals who entered the study with enlarged lymph nodes saw a 50 percent or greater decline in their lymph node size," Tait Shanafelt, M.D., Mayo Clinic hematologist and lead author of the study was quoted as saying.
CLL, the most common type of leukemia in the United States, currently does not have a cure. Researchers hope that EGCG can strengthen patients' treatments when combined with additional therapies.
Read about green tea's anti-cancer qualities
Learn more here about curcumin and CLL
People at higher risk for major depression have structural brain differences
In brain imaging studies, people at high risk of familial depression had 28% thinner areas of their brains' right cortex when compared to individuals at low risk. These findings suggest that cortical thinning in the right hemisphere produces disturbances in arousal, attention, and memory for social stimuli, which in turn may increase the risk of developing depressive illness.
Follow link to read a study on the effects of depression on the brain
Magnesium intake is inversely related to depression
Magnesium is provided by whole grains, nuts and seeds in the diet. Individuals with the lowest magnesium intake according to food-frequency questionnaires are at the highest risk for depression, according to this recent study of 5,708 community dwelling adults. Other nutrients that may be related to depression are inadequate protein or folate and B12 intake. If you experience mood swings it might be wise to keep a food diary with your provider.
Learn about this study linking magnesium intake and depression
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.
