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July, 2010

Lutein Helps Reduce Vision Loss for Those with Retinitis Pigmentosa - 2010 Study

Results from a new clinical trial suggest that lutein and vitamin A supplements might help preserve mid-peripheral vision in RP.

The researchers conclude that their data supportS the use of 12 mg/d of lutein to slow visual field loss among nonsmoking adults with retinitis pigmentosa taking vitamin A.

Based on the randomized comparison, the authors estimate that the benefit in preserving mid-peripheral field sensitivity would be an additional 3 years. Based on macular pigment optical density (MPOD) observational results, they estimate that the benefit would be 10 additional years.

Berson EL, et al. Clinical trial of lutein in patients with retinitis pigmentosa receiving vitamin A. Arch Ophthalmol 128:403-11, 2010.

Editor's Note: Nutrients that have been found to help prevent or slow down vision loss for those with Retinitis Pigmentosa include lutein, vitamins A and E, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, and alpha lipoic acid. Other important nutrients include bilberry, gingko biloba and general antioxants found in fruits and vegetables..

Mitochondrial DNA Damage as a Potential Mechanism for Age-related Macular Degeneration

New study shows that the progression of Age-Related Macular Degeneration may be connected to ongoing damage to mitochondia in the retinal cells.

Editor's Note: Mitochondria are often called the "powerhouse of the cell" because they produce ATP (energy) from sugar and other organic molecules. Without this energy production within our cells, they would perish.

This study further underscores the importance of having a healthy diet, exercising and taking targeted supplements that nourish the retinal cells. Nutrients such as CoQ10 may help as well as it helps increase mitochondrial activity (energy production) in the cells. Supporting nutrients for CoQ10 include n-acetyl-carnitine and alpha lipoic acid.

See a formula with CoQ10 and n-acetyl-carnitine.

Ginkgo Biloba Benefits for Macular Degeneration and Preventing Retinal Detachments (2007 Study)

Controlled trials have shown that extracts of Ginkgo Biloba can significantly improve visual acuity in ARMD patients within six months of use. And both animal and human studies have revealed that Ginkgo extract can help to prevent retinal detachment, while increasing antioxidant activity in patients' blood, tears and plasma.

Fies P, Dienel A. [Ginkgo extract in impaired vision--treatment with special extract EGb 761 of impaired vision due to dry senile macular degeneration] [Article in German]. Wien Med Wochenschr. 2002;152(15-16):423-6. plasma.
Karazhaeva MI, Saksonova EO, Klebanov GI, Liubitskii OB, Gur'eva NV. [The use of flavonoid antioxidants in the complex treatment of patients with peripheral vitreo-chorioretinal dystrophies and dystrophic retinal detachment] [Article in Russian]. Vestn Oftalmol. 2004 Jul-Aug;120(4):14-8. plasma.
Baudouin C, Ettaiche M, Imbert F, Droy-Lefaix MT, Gastaud P, Lapalus P. Inhibition of preretinal proliferation by free radical scavengers in an experimental model of tractional retinal detachment. Exp Eye Res. 1994Dec;59(6):697-706.

Editor's Note: Our Advanced Eye and Vision Support (whole food) Formula contains gingko biloba along with a wide range of other essential antioxidants for the eyes.

Studies Show Microwaves Dramatically Reduce Nutrients in Food

Here are just a few studies done:

Three recent studies of historical food composition have shown 5 to 40 percent declines in some of the minerals in fresh produce, and another study found a similar decline in our protein sources (Davis D R. (February 1, 2009) �Declining fruit and vegetable nutrient composition: What is the evidence?� American Society of Horticultural Science).
A 1999 Scandinavian study of the cooking of asparagus spears found that microwaving caused a reduction in vitamin (Kidmose U and Kaack K. Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica B 1999:49(2):110-117)
In a study of garlic, as little as 60 seconds of microwave heating was enough to inactivate its allinase, garlic�s principle active ingredient against cancer (Song K and Milner J A. �The influence of heating on the anticancer properties of garlic,� Journal of Nutrition 2001;131(3S):1054S-57S).
Study published in the November 2003 issue of The Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture found that broccoli "zapped" in the microwave with a little water lost up to 97 percent of its beneficial antioxidants. By comparison, steamed broccoli lost 11 percent or fewer of its antioxidants. There were also reductions in phenolic compounds and glucosinolates, but mineral levels remained intact (*Vallejo F, Tomas-Barberan F A, and Garcia-Viguera C. �Phenolic compound contents in edible parts of broccoli inflorescences after domestic cooking� Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture (15 Oct 2003) 83(14);1511-1516).
A recent Australian study showed that microwaves cause a higher degree of �protein unfolding� than conventional heating (George D F, Bilek M M, and McKenzie D R. �Non-thermal effects in the microwave induced unfolding of proteins observed by chaperone binding,� Bioelectromagnetics 2008 May;29(4):324-30).
Microwaving can destroy the essential disease-fighting agents in breast milk that offer protection for your baby. In 1992, Quan found that microwaved breast milk lost lysozyme activity, antibodies, and fostered the growth of more potentially pathogenic bacteria (Quan R (et al) �Effects of microwave radiation on anti-infective factors in human milk,� Pediatrics 89(4 part I):667-669).

Quan stated that more damage was done to the milk by microwaving than by other methods of heating, concluding: �Microwaving appears to be contraindicated at high-temperatures, and questions regarding its safety exist even at low temperatures.�

Editor�s Note: Needless to say, we do not recommend cooking food in microwave ovens, though mildly heating leftovers may not pose the same problems as discussed above. Also, Microwaving fatty foods in plastic containers leads to the release of dioxins (known carcinogens) and other toxins into your food. Common microwavable foods include pizzas, chips and popcorn. Chemicals released include polyethylene terpthalate (PET), benzene, toluene, and xylene.

Additionally, microwaving creates new compounds that are not found in humans or in nature, called radiolytic compounds. We don�t yet know what these compounds are doing to your body.

Promising Therapies for Diabetic Macular Edema

Laser therapy, also called laser photocoagulation, is more effective and produces fewer side effects than corticosteroids injected into the eye for the treatment of diabetic macular edema according to a large, two-year multicenter study reported in the journal Ophthalmology (Volume 115, page 1447).

Indoor Tanning beds can quadruple one's risk for dangerous skin cancer

After studying more than 2,200 tanners and their pale peers, scientists report that regular indoor tanning raised a person's risk of melanoma, the deadliest skin cancer, between 74 percent and 340 percent. People who tanned longer had higher risk, as did people who tanned in beds that mostly use UVA radiation, not a related kind known as UVB.

Study Ref: http://cebp.aacrjournals.org/content/early/2010/05/21/1055-9965.EPI-09-1249.abstract

Dark Chocolate Guards Against Brain Injury

Researchers have discovered that epicatechin, a compound in dark chocolate, may protect your brain after a stroke by increasing cellular signals that shield nerve cells from damage.

Reference: Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism May 5, 2010

Editor's Note: We recommend dark chocolate brands such as Green & Black and Dagoba for example that are low in sugar yet still satisfying to the palate and emotions.

Radiation risks cited in full-body airport scans

Full-body airport security scanners manufactured by Torrance-based Rapiscan Inc. expose the skin to high radiation levels that may lead to cancer and other health problems, according to researchers from the University of California, San Francisco.

Particularly at risk, the researchers said, are travelers who are pregnant, elderly or have weakened immune systems.

Comment: While radiation exposure should be avoided, the amount of energy emitted from the machines is equal to two minutes in flight at cruising altitude, said Dr. Alex Garza, chief medical officer for the Department of Homeland Security.

Travelers who do not wish to be screened can still opt for a full-body pat-down, Garza said.

Ways to Help Prevent Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis (loss of calcium in bones) affects 44 million men and women in the United States today, resulting in 1.5 million fractures each year. Approximately one-quarter of those people who have hip fractures, due to the disorder, die within a year after the break due to complications, including not being able to move around very well.

The causes of osteoporosis for women is often due to estrogen deficiency during and after menopause. Caucasians and Asians also are at higher risk for the disorders than African-Americans. Other risk factors include low body weight, previous fractures and taking high-risk medications such as chemotherapy or steroid treatments which can deteriorate bone.

Things that can be done to help prevent bone loss include:

Daily weight bearing exercise
Eat a healthy diet (avoid carbonated drinks which can reduce calcium in the body).
Avoid bad habits such as smoking or excessive drinking
Supplement with a good calcium supplement which includes cofactors such as vitamin D3, Boron, Vitamin K1, Magnesium, and Phosphorus.
Supplement with at least 1,000 mg per day of Vitamin D3.

Editor's Note: See more information on diet, nutrition and lifestyle related to Osteoporosis.

Health and Peace

Marc Grossman, O.D., L.Ac.
Michael Edson, MS, L.Ac.
(845) 255-8222