The Tune Up is a free monthly e-newsletter containing some of
the latest research from nutrition to stress reduction to supplements
to hormones, compiled by Joseph Semmes, MD, True North's
Director of Research. Pithy and informative, Dr. Semmes provides a summary of the research study and a link to the article where the study is discussed more fully.
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In this issue...JULY 2010
Dear Readers,
Welcome to the July 2010 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: http://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 and Emergency Medicine bjsemmes@truenorthhealthcenter.org
Chamomile supplementation reduced anxiety scores
University of Pennsylvania scientists studied 57 patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder who received either chamomile 220 mg capsules (generally two capsules a day but in some cases up to five) or chamomile-scented placebos over 8 weeks. Scores on a validated anxiety measurement scale were significantly lower in the chamomile group.
Read about this chamomile/anxiety study
Broccoli component suppresses breast cancer stem cells
Sulphoraphane, a component of broccoli and broccoli sprouts, eliminated breast cancer stem cell growth in both an animal model and cultured human breast cancer cells. A clinical trial is in the pipeline. For now sulforaphane supplements are not recommended; but broccoli sprouts have a higher sulforaphane level than broccoli itself. They are available in most fresh produce stores.
Learn more about the effects of sulphoraphane in broccoli
Brown rice lowers type 2 diabetes risk
Harvard researchers analyzed data on 39,765 men and 157,463 women from three large studies of health professionals. Eating five or more weekly servings of white rice, they found, was associated with a 17% increased likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes compared to eating white rice less than once a month. On the other hand, people who consumed two or more servings of brown rice weekly were 11% less at risk for diabetes than those eating it less than once a month. Based on the results, the researchers estimated that replacing just 50 grams (about one-third of a serving) of white rice daily with brown rice would be associated with a 16% lower diabetes risk. Switching from white rice entirely to whole grains could yield a risk reduction of as much as 36%. (source: Archives of Internal Medicine.)
Read further about this Harvard study of brown rice vs. white rice
Yoga improves sexual functioning
Female sexual functioning was improved among 40 women ages 22 to 55 after 12 weeks of yoga practice. The women practiced a series of 22 asana (yoga positions) for one hour daily. The improvement in scores was greater among women over 45. While small, and without a “control” group, this study has led to a larger more rigorously designed study now ongoing.
Learn more about this study, with contributors from several medical schools and hospitals in India, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Harvard Medical School.
“Forest bathing”, Shinrinyoku in Japan, improves immune function and other markers of health
NK or Natural Killer cell function, a commonly used marker of immune function, was significantly higher among adults who walked for two hours in a forest when compared to those who walked in the city. The groups then changed places with the same results. Epinephrine levels in the urine, a marker of stress, was lower among those who walked in the natural environment.
Explore the effects of forest bathing trips on human immune function
Learn about the related "Therapeutic Effects of Forests" project
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.
