If you are diagnosed with cancer or any chronic life-threatening condition, getting a second opinion may not only give you peace of mind, it may save your life. The fact is doctors can and do make mistakes—especially when diagnosing certain rare or complex disorders. And then there is the question of treatment. In meeting with additional doctors, you may learn of other treatment options not presented to you by your original physician.

In a time when you are most vulnerable, a second opinion can increase your degree of clarity and comfort in your diagnosis and give you a better understanding of your condition and treatment options so that you can choose your own path to recovery.

Unfortunately surveys reveal that half of Americans never seek a second opinion and only 3% always seek one for a serious diagnosis. Women in particular are reluctant to seek an additional point of view. Some are concerned they will offend their current doctor, others are overcome by fear and rush to start treatment.

The fact is a good doctor won't be insulted if you decide to ask for a second opinion. And for many serious diagnoses, your health insurance company may require one anyway. (Make sure you contact your health insurance provider regarding the proper procedure for obtaining second or third opinions and what, if any costs, are involved.)

Of course, not everyone should have a second opinion. When you are in the midst of an emergency situation and when diagnostic tests are clear and irrefutable (and there is only one course of treatment), second opinions may not be prudent or necessary.

However it is important to note that there are very few conditions that have only one treatment option. So if you are only presented with only one option, that itself can be a red flag—especially if you have concerns about the treatment plan presented.

The bottom line is this:  If you are uncomfortable with any aspect of the diagnosis or treatment plan, seek additional information about your options. And if that means speaking with another doctor, then consider doing so.  

General Guidelines:

Here are some basic guidelines that may help you decide when and how to get a second opinion.

Both men and women should seek a second opinion:

• for any diagnosis of cancer or a chronic illness
• for any type of non-emergency surgery
• when your doctor recommends long-term medication that has potential side effects
• if you are not feeling better despite repeated visits to your doctor
• when you have been told there is no further treatment that can help you
• for a rare condition

Women should get another opinion for certain gender-specific health issues:

• Hysterectomy – It’s the second most common surgery among American women and yet many doctors think there are less invasive ways to deal with some problems that lead to hysterectomies.
• Unresolved cardiac problems – Studies show that women who present with the same risk factors as men do not get the same treatment. The symptoms of cardiovascular disease in women are usually different and the diagnostic procedures to detect problems differ for women than men. All of this means that women’s heart problems often go undetected and untreated. So women must be persistent and seek a second opinion –preferably with a specialist in women’s heart disease. Read more about women and heart disease here.
• Breast and Gynecological Cancers – As treatment options vary and some are controversial, women should always seek a second opinion from a specialist in these cancers.
• Autoimmune diseases – Women are more likely to have lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and other auto immune diseases that are difficult to diagnose. Seeing a specialist can help confirm the diagnosis and provide information about the latest treatment options.

Getting a Referral

Once you decide you need a second opinion, there are two schools of thought on whether this referral should or should not be provided by the original physician. Some suggest that you look outside of your current doctor’s referral circle if you want a truly objective viewpoint. Here are a few options to consider:

• Ask your current doctor for the name of a specialist.
• Contact your insurance company for a specialist in your network.
• Contact local medical societies and academic medical centers.
• Check to see that the consulting doctor is certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties.
• Some hospitals, like the Cleveland Clinic, now provide online consultations. These are only appropriate when an opinion can be made based on objective criteria such as an imaging study, stress test, or pathology results.

Meeting with Another Doctor

Before you meet with a second doctor, you’ll need to ask your first doctor for copies of your medical records, original x-rays, lab and test results so you can take them with you. While you’re making the request, ask for a set of copies for your own records. If you are dealing with a serious illness, you will want this information for your own knowledge and understanding.

When you meet with the second doctor, ask them if they agree with the first diagnosis and treatment plan. You may also want to ask more specific questions such as:   

• Is this the latest form of treatment? Are other types of treatment available?
• Do I really need this treatment? What is the best timing for this treatment?
• What are the pros and cons of this treatment?

Making a Decision

What if there is a conflicting opinion? Many times the first opinion confirms the first, but when there is a conflict, you may need to seek a third opinion. You can also ask the first two doctors to explain their decisions in greater detail.

In the end, you are in charge of your care. While second opinions may seem costly and time-consuming, getting all the information you need to feel comfortable with your decision is critical.

Sources:

The Daily Beast

WebMD

For many years people with high blood pressure were told to lay off the salt as it caused an increase in fluid retention and blood volume which put harmful pressure on the blood vessels. At the same time, research going back to the 1960s and 1970s began to suspect that another mechanism may be at work.

After examining the body of hypertension studies, researchers at the Boston University School of Medicine report that salt raises blood pressure not by increasing blood volume but through its affect on the sympathetic nervous system to increase adrenalin. The adrenalin constricts arteries and causes the high blood pressure, not excess fluid volume.

In their report, the researchers point to studies in which other conditions characterized by increased blood volume do not cause a corresponding increase in blood pressure because the capillaries and veins expand to accommodate increased fluid volume.

In addition, other studies demonstrated that hypertension resulting from the excessive consumption and retention of salt stimulates the sympathetic nervous system in the brain to increase adrenaline production. The increased adrenalin being circulated throughout the body causes the arteries to constrict, which results in resistance to blood flow and a decrease in circulation.

This over-reaction of the sympathetic nervous system has been recognized as a characteristic of hypertension that accompanies kidney failure-- the most typical example of high blood pressure from excessive salt retention. Currently diuretics, which remove excess salt, are widely used to treat this type of hypertension. However, this study provides compelling evidence that the sympathetic nervous system should be the focus of new research into treatments for hypertension.

In the future, study authors believe the optimal treatment for hypertension associated with renal failure should not only include diuretics but also the use of drugs that block the central sympathetic nervous system.

To learn more - read The Truth about Salt: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.

Sources:

Food Navigator

Boston University School of Medicine/

 

At first researchers thought that a bile acid naturally produced in the liver called lithocholic acid (LCA) might be the “fountain of youth” as it was shown to extend the lifespan of yeast. Now the same group of researchers has found that lithocholic acid selectively kills cancer cells while leaving normal cells unharmed.

Study Details

The researchers studied the effects of LCA on rat glioma cells and human breast cancer cells. LCA not only killed cancer cells, it prevented tumors from releasing substances that cause nearby cancer cells to grow and proliferate. This is important in preventing cancer cells from spreading to other parts of the body. LCA did not affect normal cells which continued to grow.

So how does LCA destroy cancer cells? The researchers speculate that cancer cells have more sensors for LCA than normal cells, which makes them more vulnerable to LCA  than healthy cells.

LCA sensors send signals to mitochondria -- the energy-producing powerhouses of cells. They believe that when these signals are too strong (i.e. from too many LCA sensors), mitochondria self-destruct and the cell dies.

Alternative to Chemotherapy?

Unlike drugs used in chemotherapy, LCA is a natural compound that already exists in our bodies. Studies have shown that LCA can be safely administered to mice by adding it to their food.

The next step for the researchers is to test LCA’s effect on different cancers in mice models and, if those go as expected, human clinical trials will follow.

While looking for the “fountain of youth” they may have found the “holy grail” in cancer research—a way to target cancer cells without harming healthy ones.

Sources:

PubMed

Science Daily

It’s a good question, but the answer isn’t that simple. The jury is still out on some artificial sweeteners. And your reason for using artificial sweeteners as well as any health conditions you have may determine the answer to this question as well. Some healthcare experts say they shouldn’t be used by anyone long term.

To help you decide what’s right for you, we’ve put together a short primer on artificial sweeteners including available research that might help you decide for yourself.

Artificial Sweeteners

The FDA has approved five artificial sweeteners: acesulfame, aspartame, neotame, saccharin, and sucralose.

Acesulfame – While acesulfame was approved by the FDA in 1988, most people may not be aware that it is being used in food and beverages as a flavor enhancer and sweetener. There has been a great deal of opposition to the use of acesulfame K because of limited testing and long-term studies. Acesulfame K contains the carcinogen methylene chloride. Long-term exposure to methylene chloride can cause headaches, depression, nausea, mental confusion, liver effects, kidney effects, visual disturbances, and cancer in humans.

Aspartame – Sold under the brand names NutraSweet or Equal, aspartame is one of the most controversial artificial sweeteners. Studies have found that the primary ingredient, phenylalanine, can have severe and profound neurological effects in some people, particularly those that suffer from migraines or depression. The Mayo Clinic suggests that you should use aspartame cautiously or speak with your doctor if you:

• Take medications such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors, neuroleptics or medications that contain levodopa
• Have tardive dyskinesia
• Have a sleep disorder
• Have an anxiety disorder or other mental health condition

Aspartame cannot be taken by those with phenyketonuria (PKU), a rare condition in which the ability to properly break down phenylalanine is impaired.

Neotame – Chemically related to aspartame, without the phenylalanine dangers, neotame was approved by the FDA in 2002 and is 7,000 to 13,000 times sweeter than table sugar. It is marketed to food manufacturers as a flavor enhancer. The sweetener lacks independent studies and the long-term health implications are unknown.

Saccharin – The oldest of all artificial sweeteners (over 100 years), saccharin went from being banned in the 1970s to being considered one of the “safest” of all artificial sweeteners by some. Recent human studies have found some evidence that it may contribute to bladder cancer. Another possible danger is that saccharin belongs to a class of compounds known as sulfonamides, which can cause allergic reactions in individuals who cannot tolerate sulfa drugs. Reactions can include headaches, breathing difficulties, skin eruptions, and diarrhea.

Sucralose – Marketed as a zero calorie sweetener “made from sugar” sucralose (Splenda) sounds natural, but is actually far from it. Sucralose is made when sugar is treated with trityl chloride, acetic anhydride, hydrogen chlorine, thionyl chloride, and methanol in the presence of dimethylformamide, 4-methylmorpholine, toluene, methyl isobutyl ketone, acetic acid, benzyltriethlyammonium chloride, and sodium methoxide, making it unlike anything found in nature.

The presence of chlorine is thought to be the most dangerous component of sucralose. Chlorine is considered a carcinogen and has been used in poisonous gas, disinfectants, pesticides, and plastics.

The digestion and absorption of sucralose is not clear due to a lack of long-term studies on humans. The majority of studies were done on animals for short lengths of time. And while those studies were mixed, one study found that rats given sucralose at doses of 1.1-11 mg/kg had half of the good bacteria in the gut after 12 weeks. They also found that Splenda interferes with the absorption of prescription medications.

Anecdotal evidence in humans consists of gastrointestinal problems (bloating, gas, diarrhea, nausea), skin irritations (rash, hives, redness, itching, swelling), wheezing, cough, runny nose, chest pains, palpitations, anxiety, anger, moods swings, depression, and itchy eyes.

Another concern is calories. While there may be less than a single calorie in each packet of Splenda, when consumed in larger quantities—as in foods and beverages, calories can add up. One cup of Splenda contains 96 calories and 32 grams of carbohydrates. Because Splenda is found in so many products, and can be used in cooking, it can add up to 100 calories a day--when you thought you were consuming zero.

Weight Loss Aid?

Many people use artificial sweeteners because they want to lose weight. And some short-term studies suggest that artificial sweeteners may have that effect. But other research raises a concern that they may do just the opposite and actually promote weight gain. One study identified sweetness receptors in fat tissue which raises the possibility that artificial sweeteners could cause weight gain by directly stimulating the development of new fat cells.

Other healthcare experts believe that artificial sweeteners, because they are hundreds or thousands of times sweeter than sugar are putting America’s sweet tooth on steroids. They fear that people who regularly consume artificial sweeteners may wind up desensitized to sweetness. Then healthy foods that are less sweet—such as fruits and vegetables—may become unappetizing by comparison. The result— an overall decline of our diet.

Safe for everyone?

What if you are pregnant or you want to give your children an alternative to all those sugar-filled drinks and snacks? None of the manufacturers say that women who are pregnant or children can't consume them, but none of them have long-term studies that prove it is safe to do so.

But, there have been studies in rats that show that when lifetime exposure to artificial sweeteners begins in the womb, its carcinogenic effects are increased. The Danish National Birth Cohort, a 6-year study of 59,334 women, found that daily intake of artificially sweetened soft drinks may increase preterm delivery.

Therefore, some health experts say it’s best for pregnant women and children to avoid artificial sweeteners. If they are used, they should be used in moderation.

Sources:

Harvard University

Medicine Net

Science Daily

Health.com

 

As we settle into winter, many Americans turn to a warm bowl of oatmeal to help ward off the morning chill. So it’s probably no surprise that January is National Oatmeal Month, when oatmeal consumption peaks in the U.S.

In addition to its tummy-warming capacity, oats are a flexible pantry staple that is good for you.

Health Benefits

Of all the whole grains, oats rank among the top healthiest grains.

• Oats are a good source of soluble and insoluble fiber. The soluble fiber in oats has been shown to help lower cholesterol which is good for your heart. Insoluble fiber benefits your digestive system by keeping things moving along.
• Oats may help control your weight. Eating oatmeal for breakfast helps you lose weight in two ways. First, those who eat breakfast tend to lose more weight than those who don’t. Second, the balance of fiber, carbohydrates and protein in oatmeal keeps you feeling full and satisfied until lunch, minimizing the temptation to snack.
• Oats pack a nutritious punch. A serving of oatmeal (1/2 cup uncooked) contains 6 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber, 27 grams of carbohydrates with only 150 calories. It also contains: 25% of your recommended daily value (DV) of iron; about 15% of your DV of magnesium, phosphorous, and selenium; and smaller amounts of B-vitamins and other minerals.

Oatmeal Tips

While a hot, steaming bowl of oatmeal may be healthy, that fact may not help you if your family (especially the kids) won’t eat it. An aversion to oatmeal can often be overcome in one of two ways: changing the cooking method or finding the right flavorings or add-ins.

Different cooking methods can dramatically affect the taste and texture of oatmeal—which can make a big difference with picky eaters.

• If smooth and creamy oatmeal is preferred, choose instant or other “quick-cook” oatmeal as the uncooked texture usually starts out finer. Then cook your oatmeal on the stove and use water to cook the oats to the desired consistency. Add milk just before serving to make it creamy.
• If you prefer a chunky or chewy texture, try cooking rolled or steel cut oats in the microwave with water or milk for 2 minutes on high. This can be a game changer for those who have only experienced oatmeal that looks like gooey wallpaper paste.
• When it comes to flavoring your oatmeal, the sky’s the limit. While classic additions include, nuts, fruit, vanilla, cinnamon and milk or cream, you can experiment with your family’s favorite flavors (peanut butter and jelly, sweet potato, etc.) For a complete change of pace, try savory oatmeal topped with your choice of caramelized onions, sautéed vegetables, cheese or an egg.

Think Outside the Bowl

There are many other ways to incorporate this nutritious whole grain in your diet. You can add rolled oats to almost any recipe—and boost it’s fiber and protein content in the process. Depending on the dish, you may want to add oats whole or use a coffee mill or food processor to obtain any consistency you desire – from chopped to a flour-like powder. When milled to a powder, oat flour can be used as a thickening agent instead of wheat flour. Here’s just a few ways to include oats in a variety of foods.

• Add oats to meatloaf, burgers, meatballs, or other ground meat dishes.
• Substitute some of the flour in baked goods (cakes, breads, muffins, pancakes, cobblers) with whole or milled oats. Whole oats can also make a great topping for baked goods.
• Use whole or milled oats as a breading for baked chicken or fish.
• Oats can also be added to stuffing or rice dishes.
• Add milled oats to casseroles as a thickener instead of flour.
• Toasted oats make a great topping for vegetable or fruit salads.
• Oats are a wholesome addition to homemade trail mix or granola bars.

Sources:

Nutrition Data

The Food Channel

 

For many years medical experts have advised women to limit alcohol consumption to reduce the risk of breast cancer. A new study finds that there may be an exception to that rule. Red wine unlike other forms of alcohol, appears to help reduce one of the most important risk factors for breast cancer—estrogen.

Researchers found that phytochemical compounds present in red wine act like aromatase inhibitors, a drug that suppresses estrogen production. This is significant as about 75 percent of all breast cancers are estrogen receptor positive (ER-Positive) breast cancers--meaning they are fueled by estrogen.

Before this study, all alcoholic beverages were believed to promote the conversion of androgens like testosterone into estrogen.

Study Details

The researchers randomly assigned 36 pre-menopausal women to drink eight ounces of either Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay nightly for almost a month and then switch to the other type of wine. Blood samples were collected twice each month to measure hormone levels.

They found that red wine slightly lowered estrogen levels while elevating testosterone. White wine lacked the same affect.

Study authors believe that phytochemicals in red grape skin and red grape seeds that are not found in white grapes may decrease breast cancer risk by changing hormone patterns. Similar results have been reported in test tube studies.

Other Benefits

Other studies have found that women who drank more red wine showed less breast density on mammograms. Dense breasts are also associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.

Sources:

Science Daily

Los Angeles Times

 

If you struggle with getting a good night’s sleep, then you might want to try a glass of cherry juice. A study conducted by researchers at Northumbria University reveals that consuming tart cherry juice concentrate not only helps you sleep longer, but also improves the quality of your sleep.

What’s behind cherry’s power to support restful sleep? The tart Montmorency cherries used in the study contain melatonin—the same substance your body naturally produces that plays a key role in your sleep-wake cycle. When consumed in higher dosages, Melatonin acts as a potent antioxidant, protecting your body from free radical damage.

Study Design

In the study, 20 healthy volunteers drank about one ounce of either a tart cherry juice concentrate or a placebo juice twice a day for seven days. Participants also wore an actigraphy watch sensor which monitored their sleep and wake cycles and kept a daily diary on their sleeping patterns. Urine samples were collected from all participants before and during the investigation to determine levels of melatonin.

Study Results

The researchers found that when participants drank tart cherry juice concentrate for a week there was a significant increase in their urinary melatonin (15-16%) than the control condition and placebo drink samples.

The actigraphy measurements of participants who consumed the juice saw an increase of about 15 minutes relaxing in bed, 25 minutes in their total sleep time and a 5-6% increase in their ‘sleep efficiency’, a global measure of sleep quality.

The cherry juice drinkers also reported less daytime napping time compared to their normal sleeping habits before the study or to the placebo group.

Study Implications

Dr Howatson, an exercise physiologist, and lead researcher said, “We were initially interested in the application of tart cherries in recovery from strenuous exercise. Sleep forms a critical component in that recovery process, which is often forgotten. These results show that tart cherry juice concentrate can be used to facilitate sleep in healthy adults and, excitingly, has the potential to be applied as a natural intervention, not only to athletes, but to other populations with general disturbed sleep from shift work or jet lag.”

Melatonin Sources

In addition to Montmorency cherries, other food sources of melatonin include sunflower seeds, flax seeds, black and white mustard seed, and St. John’s wort. Melatonin is also available in supplement form.

Sources:

Northumbria University

PubMed

 

More common than diabetes or heart disease, thyroid disease affects as many as 30 million Americans – and half of those have yet to be diagnosed. Thyroid disease may be present for years before being detected as symptoms can be mild and vague. Untreated thyroid disease may lead to elevated cholesterol levels and subsequent heart disease, as well as infertility and osteoporosis.

As part of Thyroid Awareness Month, we are spotlighting the importance of this tiny, but important gland and the symptoms and risk factors of thyroid diseases.

Thyroid Importance

The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the base of the neck just below the Adam's apple. The thyroid gland releases hormones into the bloodstream that affect the rate of cellular metabolism throughout the body, including the most important organs: heart, brain, liver, kidneys and skin. Therefore, ensuring that the thyroid gland is healthy and functioning properly is important to the body's overall well-being.

The thyroid doesn’t entirely act on its own. Your pituitary gland releases thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) which stimulates the thyroid to release its hormones. TSH levels in your bloodstream rise or fall depending on whether enough (or too much) thyroid hormone is produced to meet your body’s needs.

Hypothyroidism

When your thyroid produces less than the normal amount of thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism), the result is a slowing down of your metabolism. Although hypothyroidism may be temporary, it is usually a permanent condition. Among those with thyroid dysfunction, most have hypothyroidism. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include:

• Pervasive fatigue
• Drowsiness
• Forgetfulness
• Difficulty with learning
• Dry, brittle hair and nails
• Dry, itchy skin
• Puffy face
• Constipation
• Sore muscles
• Weight gain and fluid retention
• Heavy and/or irregular menstrual flow
• Increased frequency of miscarriages
• Increased sensitivity to many medications

Hyperthyroidism

When your body is exposed to excessive amounts of thyroid hormones due to an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), symptoms can range from mild to life threatening. As hyperthyroidism progresses, a goiter (enlargement of the thyroid) is usually present along with some of the following symptoms:

• Fast heart rate, often more than 100 beats per minute
• Becoming anxious, irritable, argumentative
• Trembling hands
• Weight loss, despite eating the same amount or even more than usual
• Intolerance of warm temperatures and increased likelihood to perspire
• Loss of scalp hair
• Tendency of fingernails to separate from the nail bed
• Muscle weakness, especially of the upper arms and thighs
• Loose and frequent bowel movements
• Smooth skin
• Change in menstrual pattern
• Increased likelihood for miscarriage
• Prominent "stare" of the eyes
• Protrusion of the eyes, with or without double vision (in patients with Graves’ disease)
• Irregular heart rhythm, especially in patients older than 60 years of age
• Accelerated loss of calcium from bones, which increases the risk of osteoporosis and fractures

Causes and Risk Factors

There are several causes of thyroid disorders including medications, congenital defects, pregnancy, damage to the pituitary gland or hypothalamus, Graves Disease, and autoimmune thyroiditis.

Risk factors include:

• Being female
• Over 50 years of age
• Family history of thyroid disorders
• Personal or family history of autoimmune disorders
• Current or former smoker

Diagnosis and Treatment

Thyroid symptoms can develop so slowly that many patients do not realize they have a problem. So it’s important to make sure that your annual check-up includes a Thyroid Stimulating Hormone or Thyrotropin Test (TSH test). An abnormal level of TSH in the blood is the most accurate indicator of primary (non-pituitary) hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Production of this pituitary hormone increases when the thyroid gland under-produces thyroid hormone. Conversely, TSH levels decrease when the thyroid is overactive.

If preliminary test results are abnormal, more specific thyroid tests are usually conducted to identify the specific cause of problem.

Depending on the type and degree of dysfunction, treatment many include drug therapy, radioactive iodine treatment, or surgical removal of the thyroid. Learn more about endocrine health here.

Sources:

Empower Your Health

Endocrine Web

WebMD

 

Among 28 vitamin D supplements recently selected for independent testing, Consumerlab.com found that eight products, or 29 percent of those tested, had quality problems.

Problems Found

• A popular supplement for children listed 200 IU of vitamin D per two gummy bears, but actually contained 501 IU, 251% of the listed amount.
• A gummy product for adults listed 1,000 IU of vitamin D, but contained only 317 IU, 32% of the listed amount.
• A liquid listing 42 IU of vitamin D contained only 18 IU, 44% of the listed amount.
• A tablet listing 800 IU of vitamin D contained only 664 IU, 83% of the listed amount.
• A vitamin D/vitamin K supplement contained its listed amount of vitamin D but provided only 36.8 mcg of its listed 50 mcg of vitamin K per capsule, 74% of the listed amount.
• Two other products containing combinations of vitamins D and K and calcium were contaminated with lead: One contained 5.2 mcg of lead per serving, and the other contained 4.1 mcg per serving. Both also failed to disclose soy as a potential allergen.

These results underscore the need for consumers to insist that supplement manufacturers have the highest quality standards that require extensive quality testing of raw ingredients and finished products.

Looking for Problems

Quality tests should focus on satisfying three criteria:

• Authenticity/Identity – What’s in the bottle is what is declared on the label—no counterfeit or substitute ingredients.
• Potency – The amounts of each ingredient listed on the label are the minimum amounts contained in each capsule, tablet, or teaspoonful, at its expiration date.
• Purity –  The product is tested for all known and suspected contaminants and rejected if they do not meet FDA or other limits.

Degrees of Quality?

Don’t assume that authenticity, potency and purity are somehow a “given.” The FDA only requires that manufacturers test raw ingredients for identity. They leave it up to each manufacturer to define its own standard for purity and potency.

This is the proverbial fork in the road for manufacturers. If they take the path of least resistance, they conduct fewer quality tests thereby lowering their costs. But quality problems could go undetected. So some manufacturers don’t find problems because they simply chose not to look for them.

Manufacturers with the highest standards put quality first and conduct extensive tests to ensure superior quality. Of course there are many paths and degrees of quality in between these two paths, but this illustrates why supplement quality varies widely from one manufacturer to another.

How CNCA Protects You

At CNCA, we put your health first and have made superior quality our mission—Expert Nutrition. Quality You Can Trust. Depending on ingredients, we conduct up to as many as  207 tests on our raw materials and finished products. That’s up to four times more tests than ConsumerLab.com or voluntary quality programs like USP.

Through extensive testing, CNCA has found dangerous and occasionally illegal levels of contaminants in raw materials that Consumerlab.com doesn't test for.  Learn more here

Doctors and hospitals trust CNCA dietary supplements. You can too.

Sources:

Consumerlab.com

 

Technology has always been an integral part of medicine. However, new high tech gadgets and apps are using technology in ways that represent giant leaps in the practice of medicine.

Here’s just a few of the new tools that may change how you experience medicine:

• Ultrasound Stethoscope – In a few years, you may not see doctors with a stethoscope hanging around their neck. The ubiquitous symbol of physicians may be replaced with a handheld ultrasound stethoscope. The device consists of a processing/display unit with an attached scanning wand. One manufacturer has made a scanner that works with a smartphone.
• Remote Consultations – Doctors in rural areas have been using real-time video conferencing for patient consults for a few years, but smartphones and faster cellular data speeds have taken video conferencing to a whole new level. Some emergency room physicians use applications like Google Talk on their smartphone to conduct video consultations with emergency medical technicians and patients enroute to the hospital.
• Wireless Bandages – Much like the older low-tech stethoscope, the Holter monitor will soon be replaced by a “smart bandage.” The Holter monitor is a bulky ambulatory electrocardiography (ECG) device that a patient wears for several days. Sensors are attached to various points on the chest and connected to a recording device with wire leads. The smart bandage does the same job with a small adhesive patch containing an array of sensors that measure vital signs. Wireless transmitters in the bandage send readings to the healthcare practitioner via the patient’s smartphone or an in-home wireless router.
• Diagnostic Apps – Software developers are creating apps that turn a smartphone into a low-cost portable medical device. Currently there are apps for diabetics that help collect, track and share blood glucose readings with health professionals so they can learn how to better manage their condition. Another app helps diagnose malaria in remote areas that don’t have access to medical facilities.
• Medication Adherence – Technology is also helping patients remember to take their pills. “Smart” pill bottles emit light and sound when it’s time to take medication and will even alert the caregiver if a dose is skipped. Automated text messages are also being used.
• Social “Net” Medicine – Doctors and patients are using social networking sites in a variety of ways. Doctors are using web forums with secure communication networks to discuss specific cases. But perhaps most exciting is the emerging field of “participatory medicine” which is a cooperative model of healthcare that encourages active involvement by all parties. Websites such as PatientsLikeMe gives patients facing serious health challenges a forum share experiences and knowledge.

Sources:

Medscape

 

Researchers believe that a particular combination of vitamins and nutrients works together synergistically to promote brain health. They found that seniors with high serum levels of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins B, C, D, and E scored higher on thinking tests and also tended to have larger brain volume.

Their findings were based on measuring levels of more than 30 nutrients in the blood of 104 elderly people with an average age of 87. The participants were all healthy nonsmokers with few chronic illnesses and free of memory and thinking problems.

Those with high levels of vitamins B, C, D and E performed better on tests of executive function, attention, visuospatial skills, and global cognitive function. They also had larger brains.

Higher amounts of omega-3 fatty acids were associated with better executive function and fewer changes to the white matter of the brain. Omega-3s were not linked to any other measures of mental abilities.

"Executive function" is a term used to describe higher level thinking involving planning, attention and problem solving.

By contrast, study participants with high levels of trans fats (bad fats) performed worse on tests of thinking abilities and had smaller brains.

The researchers noted that some amount of brain atrophy or shrinkage is normal with aging. Changes in the white matter can be indicative of damage to the small blood vessels of the brain.

Better Brain Tip:

While the study found an association between certain nutrients and brain characteristics rather than showing cause-and-effect, it still makes good sense to limit trans fats, and to eat lots of fruits, vegetables and fatty fish.

For more tips on natural ways to boost your brain power, read more about brain and memory health here.

Sources:

Health Finder

Next to your doctor, your pharmacist is perhaps the most important member of your health care team. He or she is specially trained to help you get the benefits of your medicine while reducing possible risks. And today, National Pharmacist Day, we have an opportunity to say “thank you” for everything they do to support our overall health.

How Pharmacists Protect You

While you may not always take advantage of their expertise, it is comforting to know that pharmacists are watching out for you. Every pharmacist has undergone extensive education (at least six years) to understand how the human body uses and responds to medicines. They are also trained to counsel consumers on how to take medications safely.

As medication experts, pharmacists check each prescription to help ensure that:

• The information provided by your doctor or other prescriber is complete.
• Any new medication will not interact with anything else that they know you are taking.
• The medication and dosage is safe with any medical conditions that they are aware you may have.
• You understand how to take and store the medication properly.

If you are receiving care (and prescriptions) from multiple health professionals, it is usually best to use the same pharmacy for all your prescription services. Having your medication records all in one place lets your pharmacist check for possible interactions or risks, and cuts the chances of duplicating medicine.

Your pharmacist is also a resource to answer questions or advise you on other aspects of your health and medicines, such as:

• Warn you of possible harmful drug interactions or allergies.
• Tell you about potential side effects.
• Advise you on foods, drinks, or activities to avoid while taking a certain medication, or on what to do if you miss a dose.
• Tell you when a concern you’ve raised requires a call to your doctor.
• Answer questions about taking over-the-counter medications including possible interactions with current prescription drugs or health conditions.

And finally, one big reason to be thankful for your local pharmacist—availability! With the advent of 24 hour pharmacies, you can often pick up the phone and call your pharmacist to ask a question when you may not be able to reach your doctor.

Learn more about taking medication correctly and safety with our medication guide.

Sources:

Your Pharmacist: A Partner in Drug Safety

One of the best ways to safeguard your health is by including lots of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet. Study after study has shown that doing so reduces the risk of obesity and chronic disease, such as diabetes, some cancers and heart disease. Yet, according to the latest figures from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), fewer than one in four Americans are eating the recommended five servings a day.

As we begin a new year, perhaps a resolution to incorporate more fresh produce in your diet may be in order. It’s also the perfect time to break out of the “salad” rut and experiment with new recipes using winter vegetables and fruits.

Where to Find the Best Produce:

There’s no better way to enjoy fresh produce than by shopping your local farmer’s market or participating in an agricultural co-op. By purchasing local foods in-season, you eliminate the environmental damage caused by shipping foods thousands of miles, your food dollar goes directly to the farmer, and your family will be able to enjoy the health benefits of eating fresh, unprocessed fruits and vegetables. And it simply tastes better! You can search LocalHarvest.org for a list of farmer’s markets or other sources of local produce in your area.

Seasonal Selects:

Depending on your location and climate, below are some of the seasonal choices you may find in your local farmer’s market or grocer. We’ve also included some nutrition facts and cooking tips. We challenge you to try one new vegetable each week and have fun!

Winter Vegetables:

In addition to the ubiquitous winter vegetables, broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower, you may want to try something new, like:

• Winter squash – comes in many shapes and sizes and is delicious roasted, boiled, mashed or pureed and made into a soup. Excellent source of vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium and fiber and a good source of folate and thiamin. Store squash in a cool dry place, not in the refrigerator.
• Beets – Both the root and the greens are edible. The root can be sliced and roasted in olive oil, added to soups or boiled and mashed or pureed. Beet greens can be sautéed in olive oil and garlic much like spinach. Beets are high in folic acids.
• Parsnips - Cut parsnips into cubes and use them in soups or stews. They can be exceptional roasted or boiled or mashed and mixed with mashed potatoes for a sweeter, richer taste. Parsnips are an excellent source of vitamin C and folate.
• Kale – Young tender leaves can be eaten raw in a salad. Older stalks are best lightly steamed or sautéed in a little olive oil with your favorite seasonings. Store kale like lettuce. Wrap a damp paper towel around the base of the stalks and store in the refrigerator. Kale is an excellent source of vitamins A and C as well as calcium and iron.
• Swiss Chard – A popular Mediterranean vegetable, Swiss Chard ranks second to spinach with regard to nutritional value. It is an excellent source of vitamin K, A and C and is a good sources of magnesium, potassium, iron and dietary fiber. To cook, slice leaves and stems ½ inch wide and steam for about three minutes.
• Brussel Sprouts – Fresh brussels sprouts are vastly different than frozen ones that can be bitter and mushy. Try fresh sprouts roasted in olive oil with a dash of salt and pepper. Just four little sprouts deliver more than a day’s requirement of vitamin C and loads of fiber!

Other winter veggies to try include: artichokes, avocados, bok choy, celery root, fennel, Jerusalem artichokes, leeks, radicchio, radishes, rhubarb, rutabaga, salsify, snow peas, sweet potatoes, turnips, watercress.

Winter Fruits:

In citrus growing states, oranges, grapefruits, lemons and limes are usually available through the winter months. In northern states, apples, pears and cranberries are the typical “local” fruit choices. For a change of pace give these less common fruits a try:

• Blood oranges -- These tangy citrus fruits are great in winter salads, desserts, and drinks. Just like other varieties of oranges, they're rich in vitamin C and fiber.
• Persimmons – These sweet fruits vary in texture from firm to mushy and add a tangy flavor to salads, baked goods or drinks. They’re a good source of vitamin C and fiber.
• Cranberries – High in vitamin C, cranberries make a delicious addition to rice dishes, fruit pies, muffins or breads.
• Clementines – Add clementines to salads, desserts or poultry dishes. They are an excellent source of vitamin C and a good source of fiber and folate.
• Kumquats – These tiny oranges are meant to be eaten rind and all. Like most citrus fruits, they’re an excellent source of vitamin C.
• Pomegranates – In addition to drinking the juice, the seeds can be sprinkled on salads or added to rice dishes, stuffing or casseroles. They are a good source of vitamins A and C.

Enjoy the flavors of the winter harvest!

Sources:

The Daily Green

Local Harvest

Food Fit

Eating Well

 

Researchers at Georgia Health Sciences University have identified another essential function of vitamin E—helping to repair tears in the plasma membranes of cells. These tears occur as part of everyday wear-and-tear as well as through more strenuous physical activities.

When the researchers simulated the damaging effects of exercise by using hydrogen peroxide to produce free radicals, they found that tears in skeletal muscle cells would not heal without the presence of vitamin E. Without repair of muscle cells, muscles eventually waste away and die.

Vitamin E appears to aid repair in several ways, say study authors. As an antioxidant, it helps stop free-radicals that impede repair. Because it's lipid-soluble, vitamin E can actually insert itself into the membrane to prevent free radicals from attacking. It also can help keep phospholipids, a key membrane component, compliant so they can better repair after a tear.

Their research may have implications for a variety of muscle conditions in which inadequate plasma membrane repair is involved.

In previous studies using animal models, researchers found that soaking cells in a membrane-stressing solution for eight to 12 weeks, caused a repair defect. Alpha tocopherol, the most biologically active form of vitamin E significantly reversed membrane repair deficits and increased cell survival after tearing cells in culture.

Other Vitamin E Benefits

In addition to its activities as an antioxidant, vitamin E is involved in immune function, cell signaling, regulation of gene expression, and other metabolic processes. It also inhibits the activity of an enzyme involved in cell proliferation and differentiation. Vitamin E-rich cells lining the interior surface of blood vessels are better able to resist blood-cell components adhering to this surface. Vitamin E also facilitates normal vasodilatation and supports healthy platelet aggregation.

Sources:

Science Daily

Linus Pauling Institute

Office of Dietary Supplements

 

We’ve always known that high blood pressure is one of the major risk factors for heart disease and stroke but new research has quantified the lifetime risk—and it’s not good news. Among the findings, the study reports that almost 70 percent of all men who develop high blood pressure in middle age will experience a cardiovascular disease event by age 85. Cardiovascular events include angina, heart attack and stroke.

By contrast, those who maintained or reduced their blood pressure to normal levels by age 55 had a lifetime risk for CVD between 22 percent and 41 percent.

The study analyzed data from 61,585 participants in the Cardiovascular Lifetime Risk Pooling Project to understand how changes in blood pressure during middle age affected lifetime CVD risk. Previous studies had evaluated risk for CVD based on blood pressure at a given age. In this study, age 55 was considered a mid-point for middle age.

They tracked blood pressure changes from an average of 14 years prior to age 55 and then continued to follow the patients until the first cardiovascular event, death, or age 95.

Researchers also found:

• Women, in general, had higher increases in blood pressure during middle age.
• Women who develop high blood pressure by early middle-age (average age 41) have a higher lifetime risk for CVD (49.4 percent) than those who have maintained normal blood pressure up to age 55.
• At an average age 55, 25.7 percent of men and 40.8 percent of women had normal blood pressure levels; 49.4 percent of men and 47.5 of women had prehypertension.
• When factoring in all blood pressure levels, the overall lifetime CVD risk for people 55 years or older was 52.5 percent for men and 39.9 percent for women.
• The lifetime risk for CVD was higher among Blacks compared with Whites of the same sex, and increased with rising blood pressure at middle age.

Better Risk Assessment

The researchers believe that tracking blood pressure changes over time provides a more accurate estimate for the lifetime risk of cardiovascular disease and can help us predict individualized risk, and thus, individualized prevention strategies.

Since the data suggests that both early elevations and changes over time in blood pressure measurements impact your future risk of CVD, you can take preventive steps early on to reduce your chance of heart attack or stroke.

Do you know your risk?

Have your blood pressure checked by a health care provider at least once a year. Even children should have their blood pressure checked as part of their routine physical exams. Do not rely on drug store measurements as these may not be accurate enough.

Sources:

Science Daily

Cleveland Clinic