Category: Health Conditions

Excess Body Fat Linked to Higher Cancer Risk, Poorer Cancer Survival

Approximately 100,500 cancers occurring in the US every year can be attributed to excess body fat, according to estimates from the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR).

According to AICR, the estimated number of cancers linked to excess body fat include:

49% of endometrial cancers    = 20,700 cases/year
35% of esophageal cancers       = 5,800 cases/year
28% of pancreatic cancers        = 11,900 cases/year
24% of kidney cancers             = 13, 900 cases/year
21% of gallbladder cancers       = 2,000 cases/year
17 % of breast cancers             = 33,000 cases/year
9% of colorectal cancers          = 13,200 cases/year
___________________________________________
TOTAL: 100,500 cases/year

Researchers note that carrying excess body fat increases cancer risk, makes treatment more difficult and shortens survival.  Excess body fat increases the body’s level of sex steroids and other hormones that are linked to cancer growth. For example, fat tissue produces estrogen; studies have shown that estrogen promotes cell proliferation in breast tumors that contain receptors for the hormone, known as ER positive tumors.  Recent studies show that excess body fat lowers immune function and increases oxidative stress, which can lead to DNA damage.

This new research also shows that obesity continue to play a negative role after cancer has been successfully treated.  The good news is that an increasing number of studies suggest that regular physical activity improves cancer survival, even among survivors who are overweight or obese.

SOURCE:  New Estimate: Excess Body Fat Alone Causes Over 100,000 Cancers in US Each Year, American Institute for Cancer Research, Nov. 5, 2009, http://www.aicr.org/site/News2/1699885429?abbr=pr_&page=NewsArticle&id=17333&news_iv_ctrl=1102

Low Cholesterol Linked to Lower Risk of Some Types of Prostate Cancer

A new study published in Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research, shows that men whose cholesterol was in a healthy range (below 200) had less than half the risk of developing high-grade prostate tumors compared to men with high cholesterol.

Researchers studied 5,586 men aged 55 and older who participated in the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial between 1993 and 1996.  Although cholesterol levels made no difference in the odds of getting prostate cancer for most of the participants, it made a significant difference for the 60 men who developed high-grade tumors which grow and spread fast. For these men, the chance of developing an aggressive tumor was 59% lower among men with cholesterol under 200.

Although more research is planned on the topic, this study reinforces the idea that limiting fats in the bloodstream can reduce the risk of cancer.

SOURCE:  Men with Low Serum Cholesterol Have a Lower Risk of High-Grade Prostate Cancer in the Placebo Arm of the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial, Platz, et al, Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(11):2807–13.

Alzheimer’s Risk: Diet, Muscle Power, Maternal Family

People who ranked in the top 10 percent for muscle strength were 61 percent less likely to develop Alzheimer’s than the weakest 10 percent. Stronger people also showed a slower decline in their mental abilities over time.

Older people with stronger muscles are at reduced risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease compared to their weaker peers, a new study shows.

Alzheimer’s & Muscle Power

Dr. Patricia A. Boyle of Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center in Chicago and her colleagues found that the greater a person’s muscle strength, the lower their likelihood of being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s over a four-year period. The same was true for the loss of mental function that often precedes full-blown Alzheimer’s. People who ranked in the top 10 percent for muscle strength were 61 percent less likely to develop Alzheimer’s than the weakest 10 percent. Stronger people also showed a slower decline in their mental abilities over time. SOURCE: Archives of Neurology, November 2009.

Maternal Family Genetic Inheritance

It is well known that Alzheimer’s disease runs in families, but researchers have found that it may be inherited through the maternal genes. According to a study published in Biological Psychiatry the measure of a protein called amyloid is a marker for Alzheimer’s.   Adult children of mother’s with the disease have a greater amount of this protein in their brains.  It is hoped that the identification of genetic risk factors will help them to develop future therapies for the disease.  Source: https://scienceblog.com/40208/where-did-you-get-those-eyes-and-that-brain/

Alzheimer’s & Diet

An article published online on June 2, 2010 in FASEB Journal reports the discovery of Temple University researchers of the benefit of a low methionine diet in slowing or reversing early to moderate stage Alzheimer’s disease in an animal model.

Methionine is an essential amino acid that occurs in relatively high amounts in red meat, fish, eggs and other foods. A byproduct of methionine metabolism is homocysteine, another amino acid that has been linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease as well as cardiovascular disease when elevated.

Ref: www.fasebj.org

Alzheimer’s & Mediterranean Diet

A large study of older adults found a reduced dementia risk associated with the Mediterranean diet. The Mediterranean diet provides higher amounts of omega-3 fatty acids than the Western diet. Omega-3 fatty acids have been associated with a protective effect on the brain and brain functioning.

The study was published in the April 30, 2013 issue of the journal Neurology. It looked at 17,478 Caucasian and African American participants who were in a study about strokes called “Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS).” These participants had not had a stroke or cognitive impairment when they started in the study.

When analyzing the questionnaires about diet, the researchers checked to see how closely each participant’s resembled the a Mediterranean diet. This diet includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, plus legumes, olive oil, nuts, and fish.

The results showed that subjects whose diets were closest to the Mediterranean diet had an 11% lowered risk of cognitive impairment.  This risk was lowered even more in people who were not diabetic: 19% lower incidence of cognitive impairment versus nondiabetics who did not adhere to the Mediterranean diet.

“Since there are no definitive treatments for most dementing illnesses, modifiable activities, such as diet, that may delay the onset of symptoms of dementia are very important,” stated lead author Georgios Tsivgoulis, MD, of the University of Athens in Greece. “Diet is an important modifiable activity that could help in preserving cognitive functioning in late life. However, it is only one of several important lifestyle activities that might play a role in late-life mental functioning. Exercise, avoiding obesity, not smoking cigarettes and taking medications for conditions like diabetes and hypertension are also important.”

At Natural Eye Care, we emphasize nutrition as an important way to prevent health issues. Learn more about Alzheimer’s Disease/Dementia.

Study: Adherence to a Mediterranean diet and risk of incident cognitive impairment by Georgios Tsivgoulis, MD et. al. doi: 10.1212/WNL.0b013e3182904f69 Neurology April 30, 2013 vol. 80 no. 18 1684-1692 https://www.neurology.org/content/80/18/1684.abstract

Preterm Births Can be Drastically Reduced by Optimizing Vitamin D Levels

New research study shows Mothers who took 4,000 IU’s (ten times the RDA of 400 IU) of vitamin D during pregnancy had their risk of premature birth reduced by half.

As preterm births are on the rise worldwide, there is powerful new evidence supporting the claim that sufficient vitamin D levels can reduce your risk of having a premature delivery. It can also help protect your newborn baby from other health problems.

In what is considered the first scientific trial that meets the most stringent criteria for “evidence-based inquiry,” US researchers Drs. Hollis and Wagner divulged their findings at a recent international vitamin D research conference in Brugge, Belgium.

Their findings included:

  • Mothers who took 4,000 IU’s (ten times the RDA of 400 IU) of vitamin D during pregnancy had their risk of premature birth reduced by half
  • Premature babies born to women taking high doses of vitamin D were reduced by half at both 32 and 37 weeks, and
  • There were also fewer babies who were born “small for dates”
  • Women taking high doses of vitamin D had a 25 per cent reduction in infections, particularly respiratory infections such as colds and flu as well as fewer infections of the vagina and the gums
  • The “core morbidities of pregnancy” were reduced by 30 per cent in the women who took the high-dose vitamin D (including diabetes, high blood pressure, and pre-eclampsia – a potentially deadly increase in blood pressure and
    fluid)
  • Babies getting the highest amounts of vitamin D after birth had fewer colds and less eczema

Reported by www.naturaleyecare.com

Stroke Survivors Can Improve Balance with Tai Chi

TaiChi Helps Stroke PatientsA new study finds that stroke survivors can improve their balance by practicing the Chinese martial art of tai chi, lessening the risk of a serious fall. Tai chi consists of constant coordinated movement of the head, torso and limbs requiring concentration and balance control.

The study looked at 136 participants in Hong Kong who had suffered a stroke more than six months earlier. Participants were randomly assigned to a tai chi group or to a control group that practiced breathing, stretching and other exercises that involved sitting, walking, memorizing and reasoning.

Participants in the tai chi group were trained in small groups by physical therapists in a weekly class, then practiced at home three days a week for one hour. All participants were then tested for their ability to maintain balance while shifting weight, leaning in different directions, and standing on moving surfaces to simulate a crowded bus. In these tests the tai chi group out-performed the control exercise group, showing significant improvement in just six weeks.

Christina Hui-Chan, professor and head of physical therapy at University of Illinois at Chicago, promotes tai chi as a way to improve balance and minimize falls among healthy elderly subjects. She reports that the benefits of tai chi also include improved strength and cardio fitness. In addition, group classes provide a healthy social gathering for isolated seniors at a fraction the cost of physiotherapy or personal training.

SOURCE: Stroke Survivors Improve Balance With Tai Chi,
ScienceDaily, Mar. 24, 2009, https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090323110458.htm

Protective effect found for ginkgo against radiation damage

A report published in the October 11, 2009 issue of the International Journal of Low Radiation added evidence to a protective effect for Ginkgo biloba against radiation damage.

ginko leavesA report published in the October 11, 2009 issue of the International Journal of Low Radiation added evidence to a protective effect for Ginkgo biloba against radiation damage. Ginkgo biloba is a tree species whose leaves have been used for centuries in Chinese medicine. Ginkgo leaf extract contains antioxidant compounds called ginkgolides and bilobalides which help scavenge free radicals that attack nearly all components of the cell, including DNA.

The researchers found a significant dose-dependent reduction in apoptotic cells among those treated with ginkgo. While radiation-induced apoptosis (cell death) occurred in nearly one third of irradiated cells not treated with ginkgo, the number declined to 5 percent or less in cells treated with the herb.

Ref: https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/ind/ijlr

Editor’s Note: Gingko biloba has also been found to help preserve vision for those with eye diseases such as macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. For more related information, go to www.naturaleyecare.com

Women with breast cancer have low vitamin D levels

Women with breast cancer should be given high doses of vitamin D because a majority of them are likely to have low levels of vitamin D, which could contribute to decreased bone mass and greater risk of fracture

In a new study, it was found that breast cancer patients have low levels of vitamin D, aggravating low bone mass and fracture risk.

These patients have accelerated loss of bone mass due to hormone and chemo therapies.

The recommended weekly supplement for high doses of vitamin D is 50,000 international units or more improved the levels, according to Peppone’s study and the blood levels close to 32 nanograms per milliliter are adequate according to the U.S. Institute of Medicine.

According to Dr. Cedric Garland, a vitamin D expert and pioneer a woman’s chances of developing breast cancer can be ‘virtually eradicated’ by elevating her vitamin D levels to what  scientists demonstrate are  natural blood levels.

People Who Live in Healthier Neighborhoods May Be Less Likely to Develop Type 2 Diabetes

Healthy NeighborhoodA new study indicates that people living in neighborhoods that promote physical activity and offer access to healthy foods may be less likely to develop type 2 diabetes.

Researchers studied 2,285 participants aged 45 to 84 living in neighborhoods in Baltimore, Forsyth County, N.C., and New York City/Bronx. These neighborhoods were evaluated for factors such as whether it’s easy or pleasant to walk in their community and whether local stores carry a large, high-quality selection of fruits, vegetables and other low-fat foods.

After two and a half years, 233 (10.2%) of the study participants had developed type 2 diabetes. Study authors found that people who lived in ‘healthier’ neighborhoods, as determined by a combined score for physical activity and healthy foods, had a 38% lower incidence of type 2 diabetes. This association remained even when adjusted for individual dietary factors, physical activity level and body mass index.

The study, which appears in the journal Archives of Internal Medicine, indicates that identifying and modifying neighborhood traits that may affect diabetes risk could prove helpful in fighting the increase of diabetes cases in the U.S.

Researchers recommend encouraging healthy environments by:

  • zoning residential neighborhoods to require safe sidewalks, parks, and public green spaces
  • improving public transportation so that residents rely less on their cars
  • supporting fresh-food farmers’ markets in low-income, urban neighborhoods, and
  • assisting stores in those neighborhoods in improving their selection of healthy foods.

SOURCE: Neighborhood Resources for Physical Activity and Healthy Foods and Incidence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Auchincloss, et al, Arch Intern Med. 2009;169(18):1698-1704.

Reducing Tinnitus with B-Vitamins

Vitamin B supplementation may help reduce Tinnitus, characterized as chronic ringing, roaring, buzzing, humming, chirping, or hissing in the ears in the absence of environmental noise. These vitamins include a B-Complex, which help stabilize nerves.

Vitamin B supplementation may help reduce Tinnitus is characterized as chronic ringing, roaring, buzzing, humming, chirping, or hissing in the ears in the absence of environmental noise. These vitamins include a B-Complex, which help stabilize nerves.

There may also be some correlation between the decline in vitamin B12 levels and the increasing prevalence of tinnitus in the elderly. A study by Shemesh et al. (1993) showed that there was a high prevalence (47%) of vitamin B12 deficiency in patients with chronic tinnitus. This deficiency was more widespread and severe in the tinnitus group that was associated with noise exposure, suggesting a relationship between vitamin B12 deficiency and dysfunction of the auditory pathway. Supplemental cobalamin was found to provide some relief in several patients with severe tinnitus.

Acupuncture can also be very helpful in alleviating Tinnitus.

From www.naturaleyecare.com

Green Tea May Lower Risk of Some Cancers

A new study suggests that drinking green tea may lower the risk of developing certain blood cancers.

Researchers in Japan studied 41,761 adults aged 40 to 79 without a history of cancer. After answering a food frequency questionnaire, participants were followed for 9 years. During this time 157 blood, bone marrow, and lymph system cancers developed in the study group.

Researchers found that the overall risk for blood cancers was 42% lower among study participants who drank 5 or more (versus 1 or fewer) cups of green tea daily. Drinking 5 or more cups of green tea daily was also associated with a 48% lower risk for lymph system cancers.

The results, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, show that these associations held up in even when allowances were made for age, gender, education, smoking status and history, alcohol use, and fish and soybean consumption.

SOURCE: Green tea consumption and hematologic malignancies in Japan: the Ohsaki study, Naganuma, et al, Am J Epidemiol 2009,Sep,15;170(6):730-8; (PMID: 19640889)