| The Monday Edition | September 17, 2007 |
You Are What You Eat - Issue 21
- Which foods may boost your risk for colon cancer?
- FDA “green lights” diabetes drugs thought to boost heart attacks…
- Have you tried this natural remedy for joint pain?
- Discover the simple “3-D” approach to stress-free living!
Dear Health-Conscious Friend,
You’ve probably heard the expression “you are what you eat”. In today’s Monday Edition of Health News Weekly™, you’ll discover why researchers now think some of what you eat may lead to a serious health problem…
…you’ll also read about an amazingly simple way to soothe sore muscles—and to clobber stress for more healthy living!
I’ve got lots of great news to share, so let’s get started!
Western Diet Increases Risks for
Colon Cancer Recurrence
Does your diet feature regular helpings of juicy hamburgers or steak… French fries… or tasty cookies and cakes? Well, not only does this eating pattern boost your risk of colon cancer—but it also increases the chances that treated cancer could return and possibly kill you!
These findings were published in the August 15, 2007 Journal of the American Medical Association. The study compared a group who followed a typical Western diet with those who had diets high in fruits, vegetables, poultry and fish.
Jeffrey A. Meyerhardt, M.D., M.P.H., of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, and colleagues examined the influence of two distinct diets on cancer recurrence and survival in a group of 1,009 stage III colon cancer patients. At this stage, cancer is present in the colon and lymph nodes.
The patients enrolled in a clinical trial of postoperative chemotherapy in addition to other treatment.
Participants reported dietary intake using a food frequency questionnaire during and six months after supplemental chemotherapy. Researchers followed the patients to note incidents of cancer recurrence or death.
After 5 years, 324 patients had cancer recurrence… 223 patients died with cancer recurrence… and 28 died without any cancer recurrence.
The researchers found a significant increase in the risk of cancer recurrence or death in patients who followed a Western diet after cancer diagnosis.
Patients in the top 20% of those eating a Western diet pattern quintile experienced a 3.3 times higher risk for cancer recurrence or death! And these patients were 2.9 times more likely to have a cancer recurrence.
In contrast, researchers did not find similar patterns of cancer recurrence and death in patients who ate more fruits, vegetables and lean meats.
This is the first study to examine the effects of diet in a potentially cured population of colon cancer survivors.
The study authors said they are continuing their research to better determine if specific nutrients or food groups may have the greatest impact.
FDA Approves Continued Sales of Diabetes Drug
Linked to Increased Heart Attack Risk
An FDA advisory panel ruled that the diabetes drug Avandia® should remain on the U.S. market—despite widespread concerns about raising the risk of heart attacks.
A WebMD report said experts overwhelmingly stated the drug can boost the risk of heart attack and other dangerous heart problems. Despite this disturbing admission—the panel voted 22-1 to urge the FDA to continue sales to U.S. patients!
Experts said they were worried about taking Avandia away as an option for patients when it is still possible that many may benefit from it. They expressed frustration at the lack of reliable data clearly showing which patients might be at risk and which may be able to safely use the drug.
Patients with Type 2 diabetes take the oral medicine Avandia to help control blood sugar. Millions of patients have taken Avandia, a similar drug called Actos® and others in the thiazolidinedione class of diabetic drugs.
But three studies each concluded that Avandia raised the risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems by 30% to 40% in patients with Type 2 diabetes.
An article published in The New England Journal of Medicine in June rekindled the controversy over Avandia when researchers concluded it spurred a 43% rise in heart attack risk. Widespread reporting of the study caused many Avandia patients to fear that the drug may cause them more harm than good.
Agency officials said they would now consider warning doctors against prescribing Avandia for patients with cardiovascular disease… those taking nitrate drugs for angina… or those with congestive heart failure. Experts said they also saw strong evidence that patients who have taken insulin for a long period of time should also avoid the drug.
An August 14, 2007 FDA release said the agency will also require manufacturers to include a “black box” warning on Avandia. This strong warning label will emphasize that the drug “may cause or worsen heart failure in certain patients.”
Avandia’s manufacturer, GlaxoSmithKline, has vigorously defended the drug—pointing out that no studies had shown that patients taking Avandia were more likely to die of heart problems than those taking another drug or a placebo.
Nevertheless, prescriptions have slumped after sales topped $3 billion last year. Worldwide sales of Avandia products dropped to $713 million from $975 million a year ago.
Fast Fact
Many folks know gel from the aloe plant can help heal burns and other skin irritation. But studies show that drinking beverages with aloe can help lower high cholesterol and reduce inflammation. This miracle plant can help soothe and heal your intestinal tract and stomach too!
Mother Nature’s Secret Weapon for
Soothing Painful Inflammation!
If you’re experiencing pain… swelling… and redness in your muscles and joints—you might need a healthy serving of FISH OIL! New research shows fish oil may keep inflammation at bay by managing its source—body chemicals called prostanoids.
According to a HealthDay News report, researchers at the University of Michigan say prostanoids help control blood pressure, fight allergies, and modulate inflammation. But too much of the wrong kinds—especially those made from vegetable oils—can cause painful inflammation throughout your body.
William H. Smith, University of Michigan professor and chair of biological chemistry, worked with a team of researchers to study the effects of fish oil on body cells. The team added vegetable and fish oils to cultured cells and observed the effects.
According to study results published in the August 3, 2007 issue of Journal of Biological Chemistry, the team noticed that the more fish oil they added to the cells… the total prostanoids formed by vegetable oil decreased!
Both oils are converted into prostanoids with the help of cox-1 and cox-2 enzymes. Fish oil binds more easily with the cox-1 enzyme—preventing vegetable oil from doing the same.
However, fish oil did not have the same protective effect when bound with the cox-2 enzyme. Researchers noticed a significant amount of the vegetable oil was still changed into prostanoids.
Smith said a better understanding of the difference between the two enzymes could help researchers “find new ways to regulate inflammation and create better anti-inflammatory drugs.”
Health E-Hints
“D-compress” and Lose Some Stress!
Do you find yourself talking, walking or driving faster in an effort to get things accomplished more quickly? Do you feel like you’re running yourself ragged with little or no “me time” built into your schedule?
If so, you’re like thousands of Americans with hectic, stressful schedules. While some life stress is inevitable—many people recognize the value in eliminating excess stress that can harm your health.
What can you do to help decompress and lose some stress? Remember these 3 “D”s for leading a more balanced life:
- Disconnect—this could mean switching off the cell phone… screening home calls with caller ID… and taking a work-free vacation!
- De-clutter—simplify your life to eliminate excess, unused things… you might also consider avoiding your exposure to negative or toxic relationships that may be cluttering your life too!
- Delegate—prioritize the items on your to-do list and ask for help with home and work chores; you’re on the path to maximum stress when you try to do it all!
If you’re ready to lighten your load of stress, make it a habit to apply the 3 “D”s mentioned above. In time, you may discover you’ve cut a lot of negative stress from your life—and improved your overall health!
Posted in Blood Sugar, Cholesterol, Energy, Heart Health, Homocysteine, Joint Pain or Stiffness, Monday Edition Archive, Poor Diet, Stress, Weight Loss.
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