Drinking chamomile decreases risk of death in older Mexican American women

Drinking chamomile decreases risk of death in older Mexican American women

May 20, 2015

Researchers from The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston have found that drinking chamomile tea was associated with a decreased risk of death from all causes in Mexican-American American women over 65. The findings were recently published online in The Gerontologist.

Chamomile is one of the oldest, most-widely used and well-documented medicinal plants in the world and has been recommended for a variety of healing applications. It is currently widely used as an herbal remedy in Mexico and among Mexican-Americans.

The study examined a seven-year period during which researchers tracked the effects of chamomile and the cause of death in older Mexican- Americans. The researchers analyzed data from 1,677 women and men from the Hispanic Established Populations for Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly, a population-based study of Mexican-Americans aged 65 and older from five Southwestern states, including Texas. Fourteen percent of the people in the study drank chamomile tea.

The data showed that consuming chamomile was associated with a 29 percent decreased risk of death from all causes among women compared with nonusers, even after adjusting for demographics, health conditions and health behaviors. This effect was not present in men.

“The reason for a difference in our reported findings between Hispanic women and men is not clear, although women were shown to be more frequent users of chamomile than men,” said Bret Howrey, assistant professor in the UTMB department of family medicine. “This difference may be due to traditional gender roles whereby women manage the day-to-day activities of the household, including family health, and may also reflect greater reliance on folk remedies such as herbs.”

It is unclear how chamomile use is associated with decreased mortality. Recent studies of chamomile have shown potential benefits in treating hyperglycemia, upset stomach, diabetic complications and anxiety disorder. Chamomile has also been touted for its cholesterol-lowering, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anti-platelet effects. The exact pathway for the reduction in mortality represents an important area for future research.

The UTMB Newsroom

The University of Texas Medical Branch

Other authors include UTMB’s M. Kristen Peek, Juliet McKee, Mukaila Raji, Kenneth Ottenbacher and Kyriakos Markides.

Increased dietary and supplement magnesium intake is associated with improved diabetes-related health outcomes

Increased dietary and supplement magnesium intake is associated with improved diabetes-related health outcomes

Dietary magnesium may help to lower elevated glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), elevated systolic blood pressure, and elevated C-reactive protein

Magnesium is a mineral with a major role in the metabolism of glucose, the production of cellular energy, and the manufacture of protein.   A research team led by Yanni Papanikolaou (France), and colleagues assessed data collected on subjects, ages 20 years and older, enrolled in the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 2001-2010.  The team determined magnesium intake from foods alone, and from foods plus dietary supplements using the methods from the National Cancer Institute.

Adults with adequate intake of magnesium from food had significantly different HOMA-IR – a measure of insulin resistance, systolic blood pressure, and HDL-cholesterol, as compared to subjects with inadequate intake of magnesium from food. Adequate intake of magnesium from food plus dietary supplement had significant differences in waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, and HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol.  The team observed that a higher dietary intake of magnesium from all sources associated with “significantly reduced odds ratios for elevated glycohemoglobin, metabolic syndrome, obesity, overweight or obesity, elevated waist circumference, elevated systolic blood pressure, reduced HDL and elevated C-reactive protein. The study authors submit that: “there is a beneficial relationship between dietary magnesium intake and diabetes-related physiological outcomes.”

Papanikolaou Y, Brooks J, Reider C, Fulgoni VL (2014) Dietary Magnesium Usual Intake is Associated with Favorable Diabetes-Related Physiological Outcomes and Reduced Risk of Metabolic Syndrome: An NHANES 2001-2010 Analysis. J Hum Nutr Food Sci 2(4): 1044.

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2015-03/pn-sid032715.php

Vitamin C how much do we need?

Vitamin C, How much do we need?

Unlike our animal friends who can manufacture this vitamin in their bodies, we humans rely totally on our diet as the only source of this vitamin to give us what we need for good health. Good health of course is not just the absence of disease but a feeling of wellbeing and vitality.

Our bodies to help in the manufacture of collagen and the hormones cortisone and adrenalin use Vitamin C. It is also important for maintaining the integrity of our blood vessels and as an immune enhancer and antiviral agent to name but a few. Around 250 years ago it was found that by eating citrus fruit sailors could prevent scurvy, a disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin C. It was not until 1930 that vitamin C was isolated and from that date the attributes of this vitamin have been the subject of many trials and studies.

Many claims have been made over the years about vitamin C's ability to prevent colds and cure cancer. In the 1970's Professor Linus Pauling was one of the first researchers to bring this vitamin to world attention. Linus Pauling published many books and clinical papers about the attributes of this vitamin in clinical medicine.

He stated that by taking vitamin C one could live twenty five years longer, reduce the incidence and severity of the common cold and help prevent cancer. This of course is a claim that is difficult to prove, however, the author of this statement is now well into his 90's and must be taken as living proof of how this longevity can be achieved.

There is no doubt that we all need vitamin C as part of our daily diet, but the burning question is just how much of this important nutrient is needed for optimum health. To help us determine the amount required, we need to examine the vitamin C content of the primitive diet. Pauling estimated that modern man needs a diet with an average of 2,300mg of vitamin C daily to equal the amount of this vitamin found in the average diet of primitive man.

Double blind clinical trials on vitamin C have shown that supplementing the diet with 2,000mg of vitamin C daily can dramatically reduce the symptoms of the common cold. It is probable that vitamin C assists the immune system and acts against disease, especially bacteria and viruses, in an action that is not dependent on the T-cells.

Vitamin C is also a potent anti-cancer agent, for without adequate amounts of vitamin C in the diet, nitrosamines, a carcinogenic (cancer causing) agent would not be neutralised or destroyed.

Further evidence of vitamin C's action against cancer is that leucocyte blood levels are raised when 2,000mg or more of vitamin C or more is taken daily.

Leucocytes (white blood cells) are one of the body's vital components in the immune system and play an important role in the body's ability to fight disease. Particular leucocytes known as lymphocytes are important for immune response to cancer, but these important cancer-killing cells only function effectively if the levels of vitamin C in the body are high.

Studies have also shown that vitamin C can help detoxify the liver by reducing fat accumulation following alcohol consumption, it also helps clear alcohol from the system. This action could be beneficial in the prevention of liver damage in people who consume alcohol. The mechanism of this detoxification seems to rely on vitamin C's ability to promote oxidation of alcohol within the body.

Further benefits of vitamin C were noted following an epidemiological study of 11,348 adults conducted by the University of California which found that men who consumed the most vitamin C had a 42 percent lower death rate from all causes compared to men in the lower vitamin c intake group. This study also found that the more vitamin C taken the better those taking the higher amounts could expect to live 6-7 years longer.

Hardening of the arteries, a major cause of heart attacks and death from heart disease nearly stopped in those patients who supplemented with the antioxidants beta-carotene, vitamin C and vitamin E. Dr. Ishwarlal Jialal, an associate professor at the University of Texas South-Western Medical Centre said, "The results might mean the more vitamins the better.

With all this positive information about vitamin C there is no doubt that we all need to include foods in our diet that are rich in this super nutrient. Eating fresh fruit and vegetables every day will help us maintain good health, however because of the poor nutrient quality of off the tree ripened fruit and the destruction of vitamin C by storing or cooking vegetables and by pollution and cigarette smoke, supplementing the diet with up to 2,000mg of vitamin C daily I feel makes good sense.

Vitamin E effective treatment in some Liver diseases

Vitamin E found effective in treatment of certain Liver Diseases

PUBLIC RELEASE: 23-APR-2015

Vitamin E (d-alpha-tocopherol) is an effective treatment for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), according to new research. NASH occurs when the liver becomes inflamed due to the accumulation of fat. Over time, persistent inflammation can lead to the formation of fibrous scar tissue in the liver and around its blood vessels, which can eventually cause cirrhosis.Right-click here to download pictures. To help protect your privacy, Outlook prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.

A pooled analysis of data from two randomised trials comparing vitamin E versus placebo, and the placebo group from another trial comparing vitamin E use versus non-use, demonstrates that the efficacy of vitamin E is comparable to other treatments for NASH, including pioglitazone, metformin and obeticholic acid. In addition, treatment with vitamin E is associated with significant improvements in both NASH histology (45% vs 22% in those not treated with vitamin E) and resolution of disease (38% vs 20% in those not treated with vitamin E). There was no increase in cardiovascular events and no adverse lipid profiles were observed with vitamin E treatment.

A total of 347 patients (155 treated with vitamin E, 192 not treated with vitamin E) were included in the analysis which compared data from three clinical trials that investigated the efficacy and safety of vitamin E as a treatment for NASH: the PIVENS, TONIC and FLINT trials. Histologic improvement was defined as ? 2 point improvement in NAS with no worsening of fibrosis, and NASH resolution measured effectiveness.

The study supports the use of vitamin E as a treatment for NASH.

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2015-04/eaft-pac042215.php

Testicular cancer link found for muscle-building supplements 

A new study associates taking muscle-building supplements with an increased risk of testicular cancer. Men who used such pills and powders were more likely to have developed testicular cancer than those who did not, especially if they started before age 25, took more than one supplement, or used the supplements for three or more years.

https://news.brown.edu/articles/2015/04/muscles

Natural medicine better than ibuprofen or paracetamol for colds and flu symptoms

Complementary Medicine is better than Ibuprofen or Paracetamol in the prevention, and treatment of respiratory infections (common cold and Flu)

Most people at one time or another will catch a common cold or flu. Many different types of viruses cause these infections and it is these viruses that infect the nose, throat and upper respiratory tract causing pain, congestion and fever.

Common sense tells us that keeping warm and avoiding sudden temperature changes, such as, leaving a warm home or office for the cold outdoors will reduce the chances of catching a cold or flu. Always don warm clothing when moving from a warm to a cold environment as these sudden changes in temperature lower resistance to infection without adequate protection.

Unfortunately many people just continue doing work and play without rest and use analgesics and other cold formula to just “push on through”. Although these may ease the aches and pains associated with respiratory infections they don’t reduce your spreading the cold to others and in fact may worsen the symptoms and increase time needed till recovery. Although in some cases we just may need something to get through an important event taking analgesics may help, but prevention and a reduction of the duration and symptoms of a respiratory infection is the best way and complementary medicine may just have the answer.

There are many herbs, vitamins and minerals that have a positive effect in reducing the incidence, duration and symptoms of respiratory infection and following is factual information on the most commonly used.

The evidence

Paracetamol and Ibuprofen

Paracetamol and or Ibuprofen could prolong the symptoms of respiratory infections

A new study found patients were more likely to come back within a month with worsening symptoms or new symptoms if they were prescribed ibuprofen or ibuprofen with paracetamol for the symptoms of the common cold. Between 50 per cent and 70 per cent of participants in this study who were prescribed ibuprofen or ibuprofen with paracetamol had elongation and worsening of the symptoms that required returning to their doctor.(1)


Vitamin D3

Low vitamin D status is associated with higher rate of respiratory infections

A large study of 18,883 people reported strong association between low blood levels of vitamin D (25OHVitD)and increased respiratory infections. Those with the lowest blood vitamin D levels reported having significantly more recent colds or flu and the risks were even higher for those with chronic respiratory disorders, including asthma and COPD. Those with low vitamin D levels were nearly 40 per cent more likely to have had a respiratory infection than those with adequate vitamin D levels (2).

Other findings support the concept of vitamin D possessing important pleiotropic actions outside of calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism. In children, an association of nutritional rickets with respiratory compromise has long been recognized. Epidemiologic studies clearly demonstrate the link between vitamin D deficiency and the increased incidence of respiratory infections (3)

Vitamin D3 supplements found to reduce the incidence of influenza in School children

A recent randomised double-blind, placebo-controlled trial among School Children in Japan was conducted. The Children were randomly divided into two groups: One group received daily supplements of 1200iu daily of vitamin D3, while the other group received a placebo. The children were then assessed for the incidence of influenza over the 2008 to 2009 winter period.

The study found that the incidence of influenza was 10.8 per cent in the vitamin D3 supplemented group, compared with 18.6 per cent in the placebo group; this reduction was even greater for those who had low vitamin D (25OHVitD), with a 74 per cent reduction in the incidence of influenza.

Also, asthma attacks were significantly reduced in asthmatic children in the vitamin D3 supplemented group(4)


Kaloba

For centuries, the herb Pelargonium sidoides has been traditionally used in South Africa for the treatment of respiratory diseases. The common name for this herb is umckaloabo which is derived from the Zulu language and means “heavy cough”. Today specialised farms using ecological cultivation methods produce P. sidoides.


This herb is now available in Australia from Blackmores in their product  Kaloba® which has been clinically proven to provide relief of acute bronchitis symptoms after 7 days (45% of the patients taking Kaloba® experienced recovery after 7 days compared to 6.4% taking a placebo), it also can help speed up recovery.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C reduces the symptoms and duration of respiratory infections (common cold)

Correct nutrition is also a necessity, we should always endeavour to include plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables in the daily diet as these are a good source of vitamin C.

Studies and clinical trials have shown that supplementing with vitamin C and vitamin E can help strengthen the immune system reducing the incidence and symptoms of colds and flu (5)

Vitamin C supplementation can start with bottle fed babies. Blackcurrant and rose hip formulas high in vitamin C are readily available. These fruit juice formulas should be included in baby’s daily feeding routine. Children over two years of age can either have a crushed Children's Chewable Vitamin C tablet added to their food or chew one tablet twice daily and adults should take between 1,000 mg and 2,000mg daily. In six trials with participants exposed to short periods of extreme physical or cold stress or both (including marathon runners and skiers) vitamin C reduced the common cold risk by half. (6)

In thirty-one comparisons studies that examined the effect of regular vitamin C  supplementation on common cold duration (9745 episodes). In adults the duration of colds was reduced by 8% (3% to 12%) and in children by 14% (7% to 21%). In children, 1 to 2 g/day vitamin C shortened colds by 18%. The severity of colds was also reduced by regular vitamin C administration(7)

Echinacea

Echinacea found to reduce the incidence   and the duration of respiratory infections

Echinacea is one of the most commonly used herbal products, but controversy exists about its benefit in the prevention and treatment of the common cold. A  meta-analysis evaluating the effect of echinacea on the incidence and duration of the common cold was undertaken. The meta-analysis included   14 studies were where Incidence of the common cold was reported

The results found that Echinacea decreased the odds of developing the common cold by 58% and the duration of a cold by 1·4 days . The authors concluded that published evidence supports echinacea's benefit in decreasing the incidence and duration of the common cold.(8)

Lactoferrin

Lactoferrin found to reduce the incidence of the common cold

Lactoferrin is a compound that is naturally produced in the body by immune cells and it is particularly prevalent in secretions of the upper airways, eyes and stomach.  Bovine lactoferrin supplementation has been shown to boost the activity of certain immune cells. One study found that the total number of cold-associated symptoms reported by participants that received a Lactoferrin/whey compound (Lf/IgF) was significantly less than those in the placebo group. Also, total days sick with a cold and cold severity were reduced over the clinical trial period for Lf/IgF over placebo, but the trend was not significant(9)

Health Department Warning
Call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 (Australia) if a child, young person or adult has taken more paracetamol or ibuprofen than is recommended. Paracetamol is often taken by people who intend to harm themselves (suicide attempts). Paracetamol in large doses can cause severe liver damage

Use in the elderly

Ibuprofen should not be taken by adults over the age of 65 without careful consideration of co-morbidities and co-medications because of an increased risk of adverse effects, in particular heart failure, gastro-intestinal ulceration and renal impairment.

Use in pregnancy

Category C: Ibuprofen inhibits prostaglandin synthesis and, when given during the latter part of pregnancy, may cause closure of the foetal ductus arteriosus, foetal renal impairment, inhibition of platelet aggregation and may delay labour and birth. Use of ibuprofen is thus contraindicated during the third trimester of pregnancy, including the last few days before expected birth



References;

1.        P. Little, M. Moore, et al. Ibuprofen, paracetamol, and steam for patients with respiratory tract infections in primary care: pragmatic randomised factorial trial. BMJ, 2013; 347 (oct25 2)

2.        Adit A. Ginde, MD, MPH; Jonathan M. et al.  Association Between Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Level and Upper Respiratory Tract Infection in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Arch.  Intern.  Med. 2009;169(4):384-390.

3.        Walker VP, Modlin RL.  The vitamin D connection to pediatric infections and immune function. Pediatr Res. 2009 May;65(5 Pt 2):106R-113R.

4.         Urashima U, et al. “Randomized trial of vitamin D supplementation to prevent seasonal influenza A in schoolchildren” American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, March 10, 2010.

5.        Hemila, H. “Vitamin C and the Common Cold” Br. J. Nutrition” 67(1);316, January, 1992

6.        Hemilä H, et al. Vitamin C for preventing and treating the common cold. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007

7.         Harri Hemilä1, et al. Vitamin C for preventing and treating the common cold Editorial Group: Cochrane Acute Respiratory Infections Group, Published Online: 31 JAN 2013

8.        Sachin A Shah PharmD a c, Stephen Sander PharmD et al. Evaluation of echinacea for the prevention and treatment of the common cold: a meta-analysis The Lancet Infectious Diseases, Volume 7, Issue 7, Pages 473 - 480, July 2007

9.        Luis Vitettaemail, Samantha Coulson et al, The clinical efficacy of a bovine lactoferrin/whey protein Ig-rich fraction (Lf/IgF) for the common cold: A double blind randomized study, Complementary Therapies in Medicine Volume 21, Issue 3 , Pages 164-171, June 2013

Memory Loss feeling fuzzy and unfocused? it could be associated with taking statins

Memory Loss feeling fuzzy and unfocused? it could be associated with taking statins

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned that statin drugs can lead to “memory problems.” But some experts have challenged that view, and there’s no firm consensus on statins’ relationship to memory.

But there are more potential side-effects that the FDA warns about.

Reports of Memory Loss

FDA has been investigating reports of cognitive impairment from statin use for several years. The agency has reviewed databases that record reports of bad reactions to drugs and statin clinical trials that included assessments of cognitive function.

The reports about memory loss, forgetfulness and confusion span all statin products and all age groups. 

Amy G. Egan, M.D., M.P.H., deputy director for safety in FDA’s Division of Metabolism and Endocrinology Products (DMEP)says these experiences are rare but that those affected often report feeling “fuzzy” or unfocused in their thinking.

In general, the symptoms were not serious and were reversible within a few weeks after the patient stopped using the statin. Some people affected in this way had been taking the medicine for a day; others had been taking it for years.

What should patients do if they fear that statin use could be clouding their thinking? “Talk to your health care professional,” Egan says. “Don’t stop taking the medication; the consequences to your heart could be far greater.”

Fat and the Brain

It is not crazy to connect cholesterol-modifying drugs with cognition; after all, one quarter of the body’s cholesterol is found in the brain. Cholesterol is a waxy substance that, among other things, provides structure to the body’s cell membranes. High levels of cholesterol in the blood create a risk for heart disease, because the molecules that transport cholesterol can damage arteries and cause blockages. 

In the brain, however, cholesterol plays a crucial role in the formation of neuronal connections—the vital links that underlie memory and learning. Quick thinking and rapid reaction times depend on cholesterol, too, because the waxy molecules are the building blocks of the sheaths that insulate neurons and speed up electrical transmissions. 

Risk of cataracts may rise with statin use

In published researchers analyzed data from the British Columbia Ministry of Health databases from 2000-2007. Researchers identified patients taking statins for more than a year prior to an opthalmology exam, and found a 27 percent increased risk of cataracts that required surgery.

The Risk of Diabetes

Diabetes occurs because of defects in the body’s ability to produce or use insulin—a hormone needed to convert food into energy. If the pancreas doesn't make enough insulin or if cells do not respond appropriately to insulin, blood sugar levels in the blood get too high, which can lead to serious health problems.

The FDA reports that a small increased risk of raised blood sugar levels and the development of Type 2 diabetes have been reported with the use of statins.

However, A  study involving 153, 840 women and published in the Journal of the American Medical Association shows that women between the ages of 50 – 79 who took statin medicines were 48 percent more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes

The Potential for Muscle Damage

Some drugs interact with statins in a way that increases the risk of muscle injury called myopathy, characterized by unexplained muscle weakness or pain. Egan explains that some new drugs are broken down (metabolized) through the same pathways in the body that statins follow. This increases both the amount of statin in the blood and the risk of muscle injury.

FDA is revising the drug label for Lovastatin to clarify the risk of myopathy. The label will reflect what drugs should not be taken at the same time, and the maximum lovastatin dose if it is not possible to avoid use of those other drugs.

If you suffer any illness or side effect of medication inform and talk to your healthcare professional. Also, patients and health care professionals should report negative side effects from statin or other drug use to FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting Program. and to the TGA in Australia.

References

1. Parts of this article appear on FDA's Consumer Update page, which features the latest on all FDA-regulated products.

2. Statin Use and Risk for Cataract: A Nested Case-Control Study of Two Populations in Canada and the United States Canadian Journal of Cardiology, Volume 30, Issue 12 (December 2014),

3. Statin Use and Risk of Diabetes Mellitus in Postmenopausal Women in the Women's Health Initiative. January 23, 2012, Vol 172, No. 2