MyHealth-Store Archive Page
Thursday, February 28, 2013
As seen in Whole Health Insider:

Aspirin is one of the most widely used over-the-counter medications, with an estimated 120 billion tablets taken each year.1 Not only can it be an effective remedy for headaches, body aches and fever, but millions of people at high risk of heart attack due to atherosclerosis use daily aspirin therapy as a preventative measure, thanks to aspirin’s anticoagulant properties.

Because it’s so commonly used, many people assume that aspirin is pretty safe. And they’re right—aspirin does have a relatively good safety profile, especially when compared to other drugs on the market that have a myriad of toxic side effects, like statins. But that doesn’t mean aspirin use is completely free of risk.

The side effects most people associate with regular aspirin use include gastrointestinal bleeding, tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and hemorrhagic stroke caused by a burst blood vessel. And now recent research has uncovered a lesser known, but very eye-opening risk to long-term aspirin use—macular degeneration.

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Eye-Opening Concerns

In a study published in December 2012, researchers followed nearly 5,000 participants (aged 43 to 86 years) for more than 20 years. These participants, part of the Beaver Dam Eye Study, received eye examinations every five years. Results showed 512 cases of early age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and 117 cases of late AMD over the course of the study.

Additionally, at each exam, participants were asked if they had regularly used aspirin at least twice a week for more than three months. Researchers found that regular aspirin use 10 years prior to eye examination was associated with late AMD, with estimated incidence of 1.76 percent, compared to 1.03 percent in non-aspirin users. Researchers concluded that these associations, though small, were statistically significant.2

Interestingly, regular aspirin use 10 years prior to eye examination was significantly associated with the “wet” form of AMD, which accounts for 10 percent of all AMD cases, but is responsible for the majority of functional blindness attributed to the disease.

An even more recent study published in January 2013 confirmed this aspirin/AMD link. In this study, researchers analyzed data from a 15-year Australian population-based cohort.

At the beginning of the study, 2,389 participants completed a detailed questionnaire that assessed aspirin use, heart disease status and AMD risk factors. In addition, they received four eye examinations during the 15-year study period.

After analyzing data, 63 (out of 257) regular aspirin users developed wet AMD—an astounding 24.5 percent. Even after adjusting for other risk factors like age, sex, smoking, history of heart disease and body mass index, regular aspirin users still had a higher risk of developing wet AMD. Researchers concluded, “Regular aspirin use is associated with increased risk of incident neovascular [wet] AMD, independent of history of cardiovascular disease and smoking.”3

Alternatives to Aspirin

If you’re a regular aspirin user, you should get a thorough eye exam as soon as possible to determine your AMD status. This is extremely important because AMD often doesn’t show any symptoms until well after the condition has taken hold.

Even if your exam determines that your eyes are healthy and free of disease, we recommend discussing the cessation of regular aspirin therapy with your doctor. Fortunately, there are plenty of natural pain-relief and blood-thinning nutrients you can take that will not affect your eyes—or your gastrointestinal tract or ears for that matter.

One effective pain relief solution that you can find in most health food stores is white willow bark. In fact, aspirin was originally derived from the bark of this tree.

Its active ingredient, salicin, has been used for centuries to relieve all sorts of pain, including arthritis and headache pain. In the late 1800s, scientists developed a synthetic form of salicin called salicylic acid, and aspirin was born.

Fortunately, white willow bark suppresses pain without the risks associated with synthetic aspirin. In one study, researchers found that patients who took either 240 mg or 120 mg of salicin experienced significant relief from chronic lower back pain, compared to the placebo group.4

If you use aspirin as a blood thinner to prevent heart attack, you have natural alternatives, as well. Some of those options include nattokinase,5 garlic (in either food or supplement form), ginger (in either food, supplement form or consumed as a tea), fish oil and vitamin E.6

As always, consult your physician before discontinuing the use of prescribed medication—even if the prescribed drug is an over-the-counter one like aspirin. Then express your desire to try a more natural approach to heart attack prevention or pain relief.



References:

  1. Warner TD, et al. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2002 Oct 15;99(21):13371-3.
  2. Klein BE, et al. JAMA. 2012 Dec 19;308(23):2469-78.
  3. Liew G, et al. JAMA Intern Med. 2013;1-7.
  4. Chrubasik S, et al. Am J Med. 2000 Jul;109(1):9-14.
  5. Sumi H, et al. Acta Haematol. 1990;84(3):139-43.
  6. Stanger MJ, et al. Nutr Rev. 2012 Feb;70(2):107-17.


by: MyHealth-Store
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Xenoestrogens: Why children reach puberty much earlier

       Recent studies show that both girls and boys are entering puberty much earlier than before. Boys are reaching puberty up to 2 years early at age 9 or 10. Girls, on the other hand, are reaching physical maturity even much faster, up to 6 years earlier, with physical changes often seen before 8 years old.

       This disturbing trend has been linked to exposure to environmental hormones or xenoestrogens in plastics, clouding agents, phthalates and cosmetics. Children are so easily susceptible to exposure because these xenoestrogens are found everywhere. Clouding agents are used in juices, sports drinks and fruit jams, among others. Babies are even more susceptible. For example, babies come in contact with adults wearing cosmetics, which contain lead and other xenoestrogens. These substances are then transferred to babies who have more sensitive systems and are therefore more vulnerable to the effects of xenoestrogens. Not only do these xenoestrogens promote the production of sex hormones that causes early maturity but also causes faster bone growth, both of which are irreversible.

       Adults are not safe from the harmful effects of xenoestrogens either. Xenoestrogens also include phytoestrogens and pharmacological estrogens (e.g., synthetic estrogens found in hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills). While supplementing with these estrogens is necessary for those who are deficient, accumulation of excess estrogen is always a risk. Among women, excess estrogen can lead to ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, fibrocystic breasts, etc. Among men, xenoestrogens can lead to reduced sperm count, feminizing qualities, increased testicular and prostate cancer risk and more. In both men and women, xenoestrogens can lead to belly fat, insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk.

       Once exposure to xenoestrogens is stoppped, further effects can also be halted. Steps must also be taken to reduce the effects of xenoestrogens already in the body.

 

Myomin: Effective formula for Xenoestrogens and more

MyominMyomin's mechanism against xenoestrogens is two-fold:

  • It competes with xenoestrogens at estrogen receptors and binds with estrogen receptors to reduce the harmful effects of endocrine disrupters.
  • It helps correct excess estrogen by reducing the expression of the aromatase enzyme. 

       H. Rodier, MD from Utah, always recommends Myomin to patients who have been exposed to xenoestrogens. Myomin's effect on estrogen is evident in the following new case reports: 

       G. Depke, ND from California, has a 52-year-old male patient taking Myomin. He initially had high levels of estrone and estradiol, both potents forms of estrogen. After 4 months on Myomin, both his estrone and estradiol levels reduced to within normal range.


       Dr. Depke has another patient, a 47-year-old female, who was taking progesterone and DHEA for adrenal fatigue (progesterone and DHEA can eventually be converted into estrogen). Not surprisingly, her progesterone to estradiol (Pg/E2) ratio was low at 50.29, indicating estrogen dominance. After taking Myomin, her estradiol and progesterone levels reduced. Her Pg/E2 ratio increased to a normal 242.44, signifying that she is no longer estrogen dominant.



by: MyHealth-Store
Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Solgar has always created innovative products. Since 1947 the reliable brown glass bottles have served the american and international markets well. Some of my patients with special requirements such as the need for hypoallergenic or Kosher ingredients benefit from thier formulas.

Some new product releases include Minnows Omega-3 mini bursts. Children love the tutti frutti sorbet flavor. This is a great way to get the healthy essential fatty acids into your kids. Healthy fatty acids are important for brain function and hormone communication in between cells. Other systems include immune, cardiovascular musculoskeletal hair and nails.

Another novel new release is their liquid melatonin 10 mg in natural Black Cherry flavor. I find it helpful for my patients that suffer from jet lag to normalize circadian rhythms.

To save 20% on Solgar products click here:

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by: MyHealth-Store

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