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August, 2007 | |||
Dr. Larry Jebrock on How to Improve Your Vision NaturallyGet your free report by Dr. Larry Jebrock on how to improve your vision naturally using drug store eyeglasses. Just go to http://www.bettervision.com/plus-therapy-lnd-01.html "I've known Dr. Jebrock for many years. His information is sure to help you see more clearly and sharpen your distance vision." Dr. Marc Grossman. ------------------------------------------------------
Dietary Glycemic Index and AMD AssociationDiets with a dietary glycemic index (dGI) higher than average show significant increases in macular degeneration.Compared with eyes in the first quintile of dGI, eyes in the fourth and fifth quintiles had a significantly or suggestively higher risk of large drusen, geographic atrophy and neovascularization. A significant positive relation between dGI and severity of AMD was noted. There was a 49 percent increase in the risk of advanced AMD (geographic atrophy plus neovascularization) for participants who had a dGI higher than the sex median (women, 77.9 or greater; men, 79.3 or greater). This result indicated that 20 percent of prevalent cases of AMD would have been eliminated if the AREDS participants consumed diets with a dGI below the median. SOURCE: Chiu CJ, Milton RC, Gensler G, Taylor A. Association between dietary glycemic index and age-related macular degeneration in nondiabetic participants in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study. Am J Clin Nutr 2007;86(1):180-8. ------------------------------------------------------
The Eye and Sleep ApneaSeveral eye disorders have been found in association with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This paper reviews the current state of knowledge of eye disorders associated with OSA. OSA is associated with a number of eye disorders, including floppy eyelid syndrome (FES), optic neuropathy, glaucoma, non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy and papilledema secondary to raised intracranial pressure. FES patients have a very high incidence of OSA and a causal relationship may exist; among patients with OSA, however, FES is uncommon but more common than in the general population. Treatment of OSA may help FES, halt progression of associated glaucoma or optic neuropathy and reduce intracranial pressure in patients with associated papilledema. OSA patients should be asked about ocular symptoms and appropriately examined or referred for assessment as some of the associated eye disorders may permanently impair vision. Ophthalmologists should be aware of the association of OSA with these eye disorders and consider referral to a sleep physician for investigation and possible treatment.SOURCE: McNab AA. The eye and sleep apnea. Sleep Med Rev 2007;11(4):269-76. ------------------------------------------------------
Macular Degeneration Linked to Increased Stroke RiskCaroline CasselsJuly 28, 2006 — Individuals with early age-related macular degeneration (AMD) have almost twice the risk for ischemic stroke as those without the disease, a new study indicates. The prospective study of more than 10,000 individuals between the ages of 49 and 73 years with no history of stroke or coronary heart disease found those with early-stage AMD had a higher cumulative incidence of stroke of 4.08%, vs 2.14% for those without AMD. "Based on these results, we believe individuals with AMD should also be monitored for stroke risk, because ophthalmologists in particular and physicians in general think of AMD only as an eye disease. But this study indicates that physicians need to start thinking about whether patients with AMD might benefit from a more comprehensive assessment of cardiovascular risk," the study's first author, Tien Wong, MD, PhD, from the Centre for Eye Research Australia, University of Melbourne in Victoria, told Medscape. See the full article at the MedScape website. ------------------------------------------------------
Flaxseed Oil and CataractsWe have presented numerous research studies through this newsletter on the value of supplementing with a high quality fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids) for eye health as well as overall health.Another way of getting omega-3 fatty acids in one's diet is through supplementing with flaxseed oil. A study published in a recent Journal of The American College of Nutrition concluded that a higher ALA (omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid) intake is associated with a greater age-related change in lens nuclear density (think cataracts). ALA is a plant-derived 18-carbon Omega-3 fatty acid. Flaxseed oil is 85% ALA. Of the commonly consumed salad and cooking oils in the United States, soybean and canola oil are also sources of ALA (cold pressed virgin olive oil is always a healthier choice). Dietary linolenic acid intake is positively associated with five-year change in eye lens nuclear density. Lu M, Taylor A. Chylack LT, Rogers G, et al. J Am Coll Nutr 2007 Apr;26(2):133-40 For more information, go to http://www.biosyntrx.com/Article.php?ArticleID=505 Editor's Note: When taking flaxseed oil, the body needs to go through a couple of conversions of the oil to make it available as EPA and DHA (the forms most needed for better heart, eye and brain function). In fish oil, the EPA and DHA is already in a chemical state that it can be used directly by the body, which is why we recommend supplementing with a high quality fish oil. Editor's Note2: For a great fish oil, we recommend Carlson's. ------------------------------------------------------
Study Suggests High-Dose Fish Oil May Significantly Improve Behavior in Children with ADHDPR Newswire 08-08-07DANVERS, Mass., Aug 07, 2007 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- The results of a pilot study published in the Nutrition Journal (www.nutritionj.com) suggest that children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can benefit from daily supplementation of high levels of purified fish oils. The eight-week study demonstrated that children who consumed between 8 and 16 grams per day of EPA and DHA (the long chain omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil) showed significant improvements in their behavior rated by both their parents and the psychiatrist working with them. The study monitored the ratio of two fatty acids in the blood: arachidonic acid (AA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). It has been known from previous studies that children with ADHD have a high AA/EPA ratio in the blood compared to control children. The amount of purified fish oil for each child was adjusted until his or her AA/EPA ratio reached ideal levels. The study found a statistically significant improvement in inattention, hyperactivity, oppositional/defiant behavior and conduct disorders as the AA/EPA ratio in the blood was lowered. The findings were true for children taking their optimal dosage of drugs to manage their ADHD as well for the children who had voluntarily stopped taking their drugs during the study. "This is an important study as it indicates when adequate levels of fish oil are added to the diet, significant behavioral changes can occur. This study also indicates that the growing epidemic of ADHD may have a strong nutritional component-the lack of sufficient intake of omega-3 fatty acids, such as EPA and DHA," said Dr. Barry Sears, one of the co-authors of the study. "Equally important is that supplementation with high-dose fish oil is synergistic with existing drugs, giving both the physician and parent new dietary approaches toward correcting this growing epidemic in our children." ------------------------------------------------------
Did Merck Hide the Risks of Fosamax?Merck, maker of osteoporosis drug Fosamax, may have "seriously under reported" the risks of "jawbone death" related to the drug, according to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. A class-action lawsuit has been filed claiming that Merck knew about the risk of jawbone death but hid it from the public."Jawbone death" is associated with the use of a bisphosphonate class of drugs (to which Fosamax belongs). Also known as Bisphosphonate-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (BRONJ), is a serious side effect that destroys the bone in the jaw, and is difficult to treat. See article and related links. ------------------------------------------------------
Gardasil's Dangers, Limitations Are ReportedGardasil, the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine that several state legislatures are considering mandating girls must receive to attend school, may be more dangerous than consumers have been led to believe, a public-interest group reported in late May.After obtaining information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) through a Freedom of Information Act request, Washington, DC-based Judicial Watch reported 1,637 adverse events involving Gardasil, including three deaths related to the vaccine. "As of May 11, 2007, the 1,637 adverse vaccination reactions reported to the FDA via the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) included 371 serious reactions," Judicial Watch reported in a news release. "Of the 42 women who received the vaccine while pregnant, 18 experienced side effects ranging from spontaneous abortion to fetal abnormalities." The three deaths were caused by heart problems or blood clots after the patients received Gardasil. Last year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) determined Gardasil could be used in girls as young as nine. The vaccine is recommended for women aged 11 to 26 to prevent HPV, the nation's most common sexually transmitted disease. According to the CDC, it infects 6.2 million people nationwide every year and leads to approximately 9,700 new cases of cervical cancer each year. See mercola.com for more information. ------------------------------------------------------
Asparagus Soup with Fresh FennelFennel, with its subtle anise flavor, goes well with potatoes and asparagus in this simple, pureed soup. A great first course.Serves 4 to 6 6 cups water - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - 3 garlic cloves, thickly sliced - 3/4 cup coarsely chopped fennel - 1 cup coarsely chopped unpeeled red potatoes - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt or to taste - 3 1/2 cups 1-inch asparagus pieces - 1/2 cup coarsely chopped parsley - 6 thin orange slices 1. Boil the water in a separate pot. 2. Place the oil in a 6-quart stockpot, and warm over medium heat. Add the garlic, fennel, potato, and salt, and sauté, stirring occasionally, for about 3 minutes, or until the fennel begins to soften. 3. Add the asparagus and boiling water to the pot. Allow the ingredients to simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the asparagus is bright green and tender. 4. Stir in the parsley, and remove the pot from the stove. 5. Let the soup cool for 5 to 10 minutes, then puree the ingredients in a blender. (This may have to be done in two or three batches.) 6. Adjust the seasonings, if desired. 7. Ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish each with an orange slice before serving. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From Leslie Cerier's new cookbook, Going Wild in the Kitchen (2005, Square One Publishers) Leslie is also available for nutritional consultations. |
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