The American Holistic Health Association (AHHA) has a monthly e-Report that
includes a Featured Research item. The goal is to present new research that
may be relevant as you (and your
healthcare support team) consider health-enhancing lifestyle and treatment
options. AHHA uses a number of sources to suggest appropriate
research to be included in the eReports. These sources were selected because
of their known high standards for evaluating research. Click here to sign up to receve FREE eReports.
Below these research items are organized for reference.
Atherosclerosis - Vitamin B
Recent German research findings published in Atherosclerosis
(International Journal for Research and Investigation on Atherosclerosis
and Related Diseases) indicate that B vitamins reversed plaque buildup
in the neck's carotid artery. We thank The Health Resource for their
article "B-Vitamins
Reverse Plaque Buildup in Neck" in their The Health Resource
Newsletter.
Blood Pressure - Nitrates
Popeye was right. Eating your spinach is good for you. Swedish
research shows that the nitrates in green leafy vegetables, such as
spinach, lettuce and beetroot, help to lower blood pressure and keep
blood vessels healthy. For details, review "Nitrates for Blood
Pressure". We thank the Natural Standards Research Collaboration
for compiling this article for their Integrative Medicine
Newsletter.
Body Mass Index - Exercise Work Breaks
If you won't get moving on your own, perhaps your boss needs to make you
move. Recently published research reveals that employees required to
participate in daily group 10-minute exercise breaks during paid work
time gained positive health improvements. How about sharing the article
"Exercise Breaks at Work" with your boss? We thank the Natural Standards Research Collaboration
for compiling this article for their Integrative Medicine
Newsletter.
Bone Health - Genistein
Post-menopausal women with low bone density have a new dietary option to
discuss with their physicians. Italian research published in the June 2007
issue of Annals of Internal Medicine presents the positive effects of
genistein on bone metabolism. For more information, see "Phytoestrogens for
Bone Health". We thank the Natural Standards Research Collaboration
for compiling this article for their Integrative Medicine
Newsletter.
Burns - Trace Elements
New integrative therapies are augmenting treatment options for serious
burns with exciting results. In one recent study, adding trace element
supplementation reduced infection, speeded up wound healing, and reduced
the need for regrafting. Your physician can review the details. See
"Supplements for Burn Injuries." We thank the Natural Standards Research Collaboration
for compiling this article for their Integrative Medicine
Newsletter.
Cancer - Curcumin
It is refreshing to learn that natural substances are being included in
university research in the fight against cancer. The Louisiana State
University Health Sciences Center studied the possible anticancer
mechanisms of curcumin, a component of the popular Indian curry spice,
turmeric. While this is a long way from being part of an anti-cancer
protocol, it is encouraging news. For details, review "Curcumin for Cancer". We thank the Natural Standards Research Collaboration
for compiling this article for their Integrative Medicine
Newsletter.
Cataracts - N-acetylcarnosine
Many people consider poor vision an inevitable fact of aging. The most
common cause of diminishing visual acuity is the condition called
cataracts. A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye. Most results
of Internet searches for information on cataracts offer only surgery
under treatment options. According to Jonathan Wright, M.D., there is,
however, a natural treatment with no negative side effects. If you or a
loved one are dealing with cataracts, you may want to review "Don't
allow Congress to let you go blind!: Reverse cataracts with a simple-and
safe-eye drop formula" and related research with your ophthalmologist.
This article appeared in Dr. Jonathan V. Wright's Nutrition & Healing newsletter.
Chest Pain - Hypnosis
Pain, no matter what the source, impacts quality of our
life. Research highlighting the power of the mind-body
connection may offer hope to some dealing with chest pain
not caused by a heart condition or heartburn. For details,
review "Hypnosis for
Chest Pain" and ask your healthcare professional if
this would be appropriate for you to incorporate into your
health program. We thank the Natural Standards Research Collaboration
for compiling this article for their Integrative Medicine
Newsletter.
Cholesterol - Remove Lead
If you are challenged with high cholesterol, you might find
it interesting to know that more and more is being
discovered about the factors that can contribute to this
condition.
Diets high in saturated fat are responsible for about one in
five cases of high serum cholesterol. High carbohydrate
intake is responsible for about one in three cases. But what
can you do if lowering saturated fats and carbs is not
enough?
Japanese researchers think they may have found a missing
piece of the cholesterol puzzle. They have discovered that
small quantities of lead caused elevated serum cholesterols
in experimental animals. You and your health professional
might wish to review the related science explained in "The
Hidden High Cholesterol Culprit You Might Not Be Looking For" which appeared in Dr. Jonathan V. Wright's Nutrition
& Healing newsletter.
Colds/Flu - Turmeric
As the season for colds and flu approaches, you may be interested in the
numerous studies referenced in "Nature's cold and flu remedies for
children...no antibiotics required" by Kerry Bone. This Australian herbal
clinician cites research supporting immune enhancing uses of andrographis,
echinacea, and elderberry. You and your family might wish to review this
information with your family physician. This article appeared in Dr. Jonathan V. Wright's Nutrition & Healing newsletter.
Eczema - Herbal Supplements
Eczema, or dermatitis as it is sometimes called, is a group of skin
conditions, the severity of which varies from mild dry, hot, and itchy skin
to severe raw and bleeding skin. Treatment is typically a topical therapy.
Those interested in a non-drug approach will want to check out "The Most
Effective Way To Get Herbal Eczema Relief Right Where You Need It Most" by
Kerry Bone, which presents a number of
safe and effective herbal options. Be sure you have a correct diagnosis by
a qualified healthcare professional and have him/her track your healing
progress. Bone's article appeared in Dr.
Jonathan V. Wright's Nutrition & Healing newsletter.
Emotional Stress - Expressive Writing
In addition to all that is involved with the physical treatment of a life
threatening disease like cancer, the emotional stress is
significant. Several research studies have experimented with expressive
writing or journal therapy to help patients cope with the fears and
challenges the illness brings. This alternative to antidepressant drugs has
demonstrated promising results. For details, review "Expressive Writing
Therapy." We thank the Natural Standards Research Collaboration
for compiling this article for their Integrative Medicine
Newsletter.
Fibromyalgia - Acupuncture
"
Mayo Clinic Study Finds Acupuncture Relieves Symptoms of
Fibromyalgia" documents the results when fifty
patients with moderate to severe fibromyalgia, for whom
previous treatments had not provide satisfactory relief,
were treated with six session of acupuncture. Pain
associated with fibromyalgia was reduced. In addition,
disease-associated anxiety and fatigue were decreased. We
thank The Health Resource for this article in their The Health Resource Newsletter.
Fitness - Tai Chi
If your mother or grandmother is balking at exercising, she might like this
option. A Harvard Medical School study found that slow motion Tai Chi
movements are more effective in improving fitness in elderly women than
brisk walking. Tai Chi improves lower extremity strength, balance, and
flexibility. For details, review "Tai Chi may be More Beneficial than
Walking for Elderly Women." We thank the Natural Standards Research Collaboration
for compiling this article for their Integrative Medicine
Newsletter.
Foot Pain - Exercise
Experiencing soreness on the soles of your feet? Here is some information
you will definitely want to share with your podiatrist before embarking on
invasive treatment. Research indicates that special exercises can
dramatically improve your sore feet if the cause is plantar fasciitis, a
painful condition caused by excessive wear to the plantar fascia of the
foot. Note that most of the study's participants improved enough not to
need medical treatment. For details, review "Stretching for Foot Pain." We thank the Natural Standards Research Collaboration
for compiling this article for their Integrative Medicine
Newsletter.
Gum Hygiene - Herbs
With the growing awareness of the impact of our oral health on our
overall health, those of you who prefer natural, rather than synthetic,
products will be interested in the research on oral hygiene options
presented in the article "The beehive bacteria-destroyer and 3 other
herbs that will help keep you denture-free," by Kerry Bone. This article
appeared in Dr. Jonathan V. Wright's
Nutrition & Healing newsletter.
Headaches - Self-Hypnosis
Do you have a child with chronic headaches? A new study demonstrates that
self-hypnosis training in children and adolescents can result in reducing
frequency, intensity, and average duration. You and your physician may wish
to review the research, which is outlined in "Self-Hypnosis for
Headaches." We thank the Natural Standards Research Collaboration
for compiling this article for their Integrative Medicine
Newsletter.
Heart Failure - Breathing
Imagine the equivalent of weight training for your lungs. A
recent study in Brazil demonstrated the marked improvement
in respiratory factors for people with heart failure and
breathing difficulty when they used a simple breathing
device. Even better, the results lasted months beyond the
12-week program. For details review "Breathing Device Aids
Patients with Heart Failure." We
thank The Health Resource for this article in their The Health Resource Newsletter.
Heart Failure - L-arginine
Exciting new information is available for patients who have recovered from
heart failure. Adding the amino acid L-arginine may help you correct the
abnormal blood vessel function often seen with this condition and improve
your ability to perform your daily activities. You and your healthcare
professional can review the research referenced in "Supplement Add-On Helps
Heart Failure Patients" and determine if
this is something you should consider. We
thank The Health Resource for this article in their The Health Resource Newsletter.
Heterocyclic amines (HCAs) - Natural Spice Marinades
Many people are staying away from barbequing meat because they have read
that when muscle meat is cooked at high temperatures, potential
cancer-causing compounds called heterocyclic amines (HCAs) might form.
If they miss that good taste of bargeque, they can read, "Marinade Does
More than Enhance Taste." This article presents research that indicates
that marinating meat with certain spices before grilling can
significantly reduce the formation of HCAs. We thank the Natural Standards Research Collaboration
for compiling this article for their Integrative Medicine
Newsletter.
Immune Cells - Echinacea
Your body is loaded with immune cells known as natural killer cells. These
cells are part of your body's front line of defense against bacteria,
viruses, and tumor cells. In "My favorite herb has just been declared a
miracle" Kerry Bone summarizes
research using the root of the herb echinacea to enhance the functioning of
the immune system. This is information for you and your healthcare team to
consider. This article appeared in the Dr. Jonathan
V. Wright's Nutrition & Healing newsletter.
Irregular Heartbeats - Vitamin C
Good old Vitamin C keeps adding new supporters. Individuals dealing with
irregular heartbeats often receive the common treatment, an electrical
shock to the heart, to attempt to restore a normal heart rhythm. These
patients are understandably upset when repeated application of this
treatment option is needed. If you're being treated this way, you might
want to discuss the research mentioned in "The Common Vitamin That Can
Help Your Heart Beat Better" with your physician. This article appeared
in Dr. Jonathan V. Wright's Nutrition &
Healing newsletter.
Longevity - Sodium Level
Sodium is crucial for proper fluid balance in the body and the healthy
functioning of muscles. However, most Americans consume significantly
more of this mineral than is necessary or even healthy. "Salt and
Longevity" outlines research findings on the dangers of using that
saltshaker on the table. Give yourself a break and reduce your salt
intake. We thank the Natural Standards Research Collaboration
for compiling this article for their Integrative Medicine
Newsletter.
Osteoarthritis - MSM
With the growing interest in using dietary supplements for
health enhancement and prevention, and often treatment of
disease, individuals and their healthcare professionals are
becoming fairly well educated to consider interactions with
other drugs, herbs and supplements. An issue that has not
been given a lot of attention is that prolonged use of a
dietary supplement might impact the body's use of other
nutrients. The following is presented to alert you to the
importance of having the benefit of complete, integrated
healthcare information, checking what is known about both
short term and long term use, and customizing for your
unique situation.
A recent study, "Efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) in
osteoarthritis pain of the knee: A pilot clinical trial," by
the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and Health
Sciences in Tempe, AZ, found that MSM "improved symptoms of
pain and physical function during the short intervention
without major adverse events." Many who suffer from the pain
of arthritis and don't want the side effects of the
pharmaceutical approach have welcomed this information.
At the same time, a caution is voiced in "Clinical Tip 136"
from the Dr. Jonathan V. Wright's
Clinical Nutrition & Healing newsletter. It is possible that the
essential trace element molybdenum may be depleted by
prolonged use of MSM. Molybdenum is used in the processing
of sulfur, and MSM is 30 percent sulfur. For those
taking MSM for a chronic condition, this is food for
thought.
Peripheral Neuropathy Pain - Vitamin D
The role of Vitamin D in fighting disease and chronic pain continues to
draw new attention. In 2008 studies have reported that if the level of
Vitamin D is adequate, people experience lower risk of heart attack,
higher survival rates for breast and colon cancer patients, and lowering
of diabetic patient pain level from peripheral neuropathy. If you are
concerned about any of these conditions, you may want to discuss the
research results with your physician. We thank The Health Resource for
bringing this to our attention in their article, "Vitamin D Update" in
The Health Resource Newsletter.
Poor Digestion - Stomach Acid
Like it or not, the older we get, the more likely we are to develop poor
digestion and problems with assimilation. The standard medical approach has
been to use patent medications specifically designed to suppress stomach
acid production. This could be changing in the near future. Doctors are
slowly becoming aware of the fact that low or no stomach acid can influence
the health of the entire body. You may want to review the article "Age and
Antiacids: A Double Whammy Against Your Body's Optimal Health" with your family physician.
This article appeared in the Dr. Jonathan V. Wright's
Nutrition & Healing newsletter.
Postmenopausal - Hormone Replacement Therapy
As Americans - especially the baby boomers - continue to age, the issue
of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) applies to a greater segment of the
population. In "Taking The Fear Out of Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement
Therapy - One Urine Test at a Time," Jonathan Wright, M.D. presents a
summary of information on bio-identical HRT (which is not synthetic HRT)
to educate those considering this option - and their physicians.
Extensive references to research supporting BHRT are included, along
with detailed information on a simple yet sophisticated test that can be
used to monitor a patient's status. This article appeared in Dr. Jonathan V. Wright's Nutrition & Healing newsletter.
Recommended Intake - Vitamin B-12
The currently recommended daily intake level of 2.4 micrograms of vitamin B-12
should be more than doubled, according to a new Danish study. "Study Questions
Vitamin B-12 Recommended Intake" notes
the need for 6 microgram of B-12 to correct B-12 deficiency symptoms. We thank the Natural Standards Research Collaboration
for compiling this article for their Integrative Medicine
Newsletter.
Shoulder Tendonitis - Saline Solution
Italian physicians have developed a non-surgical treatment for
liquefying and removing calcium deposits from shoulder tendons. A
physician in New York successfully replicated this treatment. If you
suffer from this condition, you may want to alert your physician to this
procedure. We thank The Health Resource for bringing this to our
attention in their article, "Quick Repair for Shoulder Tendonitis" in
The Health Resource Newsletter.
Skin Cancer - Eggplant Extract/BEC
Anyone dealing with squamous cell cancer, basal cell cancer,
or actinic keratosis may want to be aware of the promising
preliminary research results concerning a topical eggplant
extract called BEC. You and your physician can check out the
research referenced in the article "Researchers find a
groundbreaking skin cancer cure" which appeared in the Dr. Jonathan V. Wright's Nutrition &
Healing newsletter. Also, a more recent article "The skin cancer cure...yes, cure...that works every
time," by Jonathan V. Wright, M.D., which appeared in the Dr. Jonathan V. Wright's
Nutrition & Healing newsletter.
Steroid Dosage - Wormwood
An increasing number of people are searching for ways to wean themselves
off prescribed medications. There is good news for those who have Crohn's
disease. A recently released German study successfully used the Chinese
herb wormwood (also called Artemisia or "Sweet Annie") to reduce the dose
of the steroid prednisone. There was an almost complete remission in those
of the group of Crohn's patients receiving the wormwood compared to none in
the placebo group. Review "Ancient Folk Remedy Reduces Steroid Dosage" at
and determine if this is something you should
discuss with your physician. We
thank The Health Resource for this article in their The Health Resource Newsletter.
Stress - Aromatherapy
Do you have a high level of stress in your life? Does it increace during holiday seasons? Consider using music and
aromatherapy to help you relax and really enjoy special holiday
seasons. "Common 'Scents' for Holiday Stress"
reminds us that there is a scientific basis for how music and aromatherapy
can reduce anxiety and improve our mood. We thank the Natural Standards Research Collaboration
for compiling this article for their Integrative Medicine
Newsletter.
Stress Reduction - Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
The research on stress reduction cited this month has good news for both
options mentioned in the study. In "Mindfulness and Cognitive-Behavioral
Therapy for Stress" positive improvement was attained by both subject
groups. See which option appeals to you and is appropriate for the
stress in your life. We thank the Natural Standards Research
Collaboration for presenting this article in their Integrative Medicine Newsletter.
Tinnitus - Melatonin
Tinnitus is the perception of ringing, buzzing, roaring, or other noises in
the ears or head when there is no external source of the noise. Most people
suffering with tinnitus experience this "ringing in the ears" twenty-four
hours a day, seven days a week. While there does not seem to be a cure,
there are a number of alternative treatment options that help to minimize
the symptoms. Promising new research successfully using the supplement
melatonin is reported in "Hope for Tinnitus Sufferers." We
thank The Health Resource for this article in their The Health Resource Newsletter.