In this issue...
Dear Readers,
Welcome to the August 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 (except the fifth "bullet").
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
Omega 3 fish oils (1 gm a day) reduce cardiovascular mortality by 30% for people with known heart disease
The latest newsletter of the 100,000 member American College of Physicians recommends that adults should be taking fish oil to reduce heart disease. A Journal of the American College of Cardiology analysis of 4 studies, totaling more than 40,000 patients, concludes adults without known heart disease should take 500 mg per day. Patients with known heart disease taking 800 to 1000 mg per day of Omega 3s (primarily EPA) had a 30% reduction in mortality rate.
Click to learn more about this analysis of four Omega 3 studies (The abstract is not yet on line.)
Higher Vitamin D levels are associated with mental agility in older men
Researchers measured the blood levels of 25-OH vitamin D (the form of vitamin tested in blood samples) in more than 3000 men from age 40to 80. Those with higher levels of Vitamin D in the blood performed significantly better on cognitive testing. Vitamin D is activated by sunlight on the skin, and is in fortified milk products. A supplement of 2000 IU per day may be especially important during the dark cold months when sun on skin is minimal.
Read more about the benefits of Vitamin D
Blueberries, concord grapes, walnuts promote healthy brains
This review from Tufts Medical School Mayer Center for Human Nutrition and Aging summarizes the data and the mechanisms of how polyphenols from pigmented fruits protect neural function from oxidative stress and other forms of damage linked to aging.
Read Tufts Medical School Mayer Center review
Residential pesticides increase the risk of childhood leukemia
A recent metaanalysis and review confirms the association of childhood leukemia (the most common form of childhood cancer) with pesticides in our foods.
Read this metaanalysis
Note the Environmental Working Group's guide to pesticides in foods
Bisphenol A in cracked polycarbonate plastic glasses and bottles may block pregnancies and cause dangerous heart rhythm problems in women
Data presented at the 2009 Endocrine Society meeting (not yet peer reviewed for publication) should cause women to reconsider drinking out of fashionable colored drinking bottles (See www.getoutdoorgear.com/images/nalgene-bisphenol-a-plastic.jpg) or other plastic containers with the hormone disruptor Bisphenol A (BPA). In mice the master gene of fertility, called HOXA10 was permanently altered. In another study women with high BPA levels appeared more susceptible to dangerous heart rhythms. In 2004 BPA was found in the urine of almost all adult US residents. Now it is thought that there is exposure from more than just foods.
Learn about the hormone disruptor Bisphenol A
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.
