Dear Friends,
Happy New Year. I hope this newsletter finds you doing well. I’ve gathered some recent research articles that I think you may find interesting. Later this month I’ll be sharing the top ten things you can do to increase your health and make 2006 your healthiest year ever.
SSRI Anti-Depressant Drugs May Increase Risk of Developing Alzheimer’s
The activity of the connections between brain cells significantly affects levels of the toxic protein beta-amyloid which is a major cause of Alzheimer's disease.
The protein beta-amyloid is produced by the cleavage of amyloid precursor protein within brain cells.
Findings presented in the scientific journal, Neuron, suggest that antidepressant drugs could affect the risk of getting Alzheimer's disease risk or affect the progression of the disease.
"Drugs used to treat neuropsychiatric disorders, such as depression or anxiety, among many others, directly influence neurotransmitters (brain chemicals), and their receptors, thereby altering synaptic activity," they wrote. "Thus, it is likely that these drugs might influence beta-amyloid levels within specified neuronal networks as well. If so, such drugs could potentially influence risk or progression of Alzheimer's disease."
Source: Neuron, 2005
Exposure to SSRI’s Early in Life Produces Abnormal Emotional Behaviors in Adults
The question of whether SSRI antidepressants, such as Fluoxetine (Prozac), are safe and more effective than dummy pills for treating child and adolescent depression (CAD) remains highly contentious, says Amir Raz, at Columbia University and at the New York State Psychiatric Institute, in New York City.
Raz says that when it comes to treating child and adolescent depression, "there are few compelling data sets, free of funding from drug companies, concerning the efficacy of antidepressant medications over and above their placebo value."
"The recent history of SSRIs is replete with inconsistent verdicts about their safety," he says. For example, despite issuing a "black box" warning label on antidepressants stating that they may increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in depressed children and adolescents, the FDA went on to endorse the safety of these drugs for treating child and adolescent depression.
In addressing possible implications of SSRI use for child and adolescent depression, Raz points to data in mouse studies suggesting that exposure to SSRIs early in life produces abnormal emotional behaviors in adults. "Some exploratory findings suggest that artificial perturbation of serotonin function in early life may alter the normal development of brain systems related to stress, motor development, and motor control."
Given all of the limitations surrounding the data on SSRIs, Raz urges patients and physicians to "demand stronger evidence for the efficacy of antidepressants for child and adolescent depression."
Source: Public Library of Science, 2005
In my book "Treating and Beating Anxiety and Depression,” I site further information about how SSRI medications can lead to permanent changes in the brain chemistry: “And studies now show that using SSRI’s eventually cause the brain to release less and less serotonin. Eventually the brain begins to reduce the number of serotonin receptors. The reduction of serotonin receptors may become permanent. If so, the patient is most likely doomed to a life of anxiety and depression.”
Acetaminophen poisoning is the most common cause of acute liver failure in the United States
"Acetaminophen poisoning has become the most common cause of acute liver failure in the United States," report the authors of a study, published in Hepatology. While attempted suicides still account for many cases, almost half are the result of unintentional overdose.
Acetaminophen, also known as Paracetamol, is the most widely used pain reliever in the United States -- 36 percent of Americans ingest it at least once a month -- but taking more than the recommended dose can lead to fatal liver injury.
While intentional overdoses generally present early after ingestion and can be treated with N-acetylcysteine (NAC), unintentional overdoses are usually not recognized until later.
Source: Hepatology, 2005
If you’re regularly taking acetaminophen (Tyelenol) please consider protecting your liver and health by supplementing with NAC.
More About NAC
Produced by the body, N-acetylcysteine (commonly called NAC) is a form of the amino acid cysteine. Because it enhances the production of the enzyme glutathione, one of the body's powerhouse antioxidants, NAC can both stave off disease and play an important role in boosting the immune system.
NAC has also proved invaluable in the treatment of acetaminophen overdose; it appears to protect the liver from this potentially toxic substance. NAC is one of many antioxidants which are believed to protect the body's cells from altered oxygen molecules called free radicals. Damage from free radicals is thought to be a significant factor in such degenerative conditions as cancer and heart disease.
Reduce congestion related to sinusitis, bronchitis, asthma, and other respiratory diseases. For more than three decades, NAC has been used as a mucolytic ("mucus dissolving") agent to help break up the thick mucus often present in people suffering from chronic respiratory ailments, including asthma, bronchitis, chronic pulmonary obstructive disease, and emphysema. Conventional physicians routinely use NAC to dilute thick mucus, making it much easier to cough up or drain from the nasal passages and other congested areas. It's often used to ease congestion in people with pneumonia and other chronic respiratory diseases. It has even been shown to reduce mucus secretions in people who smoke or who are regularly exposed to secondhand smoke.
Lessen flu symptoms by thinning mucus and weakening the flu virus, supplemental NAC could potentially lessen the severity and duration of the flu.
Prevent heart disease.In some studies, NAC appears to significantly lower levels of homocysteine and possibly lipoprotein(a), substances associated with an increased risk of heart disease. As an antioxidant, it also helps prevent the damaging oxidation--and thereby the precipitation--of LDL ("bad") cholesterol from the material that lines blood vessels. More research in this area is needed, however.
Delay age-related cataracts and macular degeneration. Both of these conditions have been associated with damage from oxygen free radicals. By boosting antioxidant activity in the eye's lens and macula, NAC may have a role to play in preventing cataracts (which cause the lens to become cloudy) and macular degeneration (which can result in blindness as this area of the retina deteriorates).
Counter environmental toxins. NAC-supported glutathione interacts with the dangerous byproducts of many toxic substances, promoting their excretion through the liver. These substances include carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, and carbon monoxide; alcohol; such heavy metals as mercury, chromium, and boron; and the microorganisms aflatoxin and Eschicheria coli.
For the majority of ailments mentioned: Take 500 mg capsules, two to three times a day, on an empty stomach.
For sinusitis: Take 500 mg twice a day between meals.
To help prevent liver toxicity from taking Tyelenol (acetaminophen), alcohol and other toxins, take 500mg 1-2 times a day or combine (smaller dose) with other liver protecting nutrients like those found in the Essential Therapeutics Liver Formula.
Note: High doses (2000mg or more) of oral NAC may cause gastrointestinal problems, such as vomiting, or in rare cases a rash possibly accompanied by fever.
Click here for more information about NAC, or to purchase
Depression linked to coronary heart disease
A Swedish study points to link between depression and coronary heart disease.
Especially younger patients, between 25 and 50 years of age, are at increased risk of developing coronary heart disease ( CHD ) later in life.
Kristina Sundquist writes " The present study showed that young to middle aged people hospitalized for depression had a high risk of developing CHD., but also maintenance therapy to prevent relapses and recurrences of depression."
Source: American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 2005
Depression KILLS. I recommend anyone suffering from depression consider starting or adding amino acid therapy to repair their chemical deficiencies. For more information please see the Brain Function Questionnaire and my new book on anxiety and depression.
LINK TO BRAIN FUNCTION QUESTIONNAIRE
Air In Urban Areas Can Increase Risk Of Heart Disease
Polluted air in urban areas promotes heart disease.
"We established a causal link between air pollution and arteriosclerosis."
Airborne particles smaller than 1/40th the width of a human hair can infiltrate human lungs and damage the body's cardiovascular system, worsening the arteries and makes them less flexible and more susceptible to a heart attack. Some estimates blame the tiny airborne particles from dust, soot and smoke for 60,000 premature U.S. deaths each year, according to the report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Fish oil lowers heart disease risk linked to air pollution. Two grams of a fish oil supplement such as salmon oil a day may help reduce risk of heart disease associated with diseased heart rate variability (HRV), which can be caused by tiny, dangerous airborne pollutant particles, suggests new research published in the second issue of the December 2005 American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
Here’s one more reason to supplement with fish oil each day! In my new book “Heart Disease What Your Doctor Won’t Tell You,” I devote an entire chapter to fish oil.
ADD and ADHD Drugs May Increase Risk of Death
Reports of sudden deaths, strokes, heart attacks and hypertension in both children and adults taking drugs to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are spurring new government study into the medications' safety.
Sales of drugs to treat ADHD have increased sharply in recent years, with use growing at a faster rate among adults than children, according to a recent study by Medco Health Solutions, a prescription benefit manager. Spending on ADHD drugs soared from $759 million in 2000 to $3.1 billion in 2004, according to IMS Health, a pharmaceutical information and consulting firm.
The Food and Drug Administration said it had received reports of what it called "serious adverse events" - including deaths - in association with the therapeutic use of the drugs. The agency considers the reports "rare though serious," FDA spokeswoman Susan Bro said Wednesday.
The FDA's Canadian counterpart, Health Canada, yanked the ADHD drug Adderall XR from the market for six months last year in response to reports of 20 sudden deaths and 12 strokes in adults and children using the drug. A number of the cases involved children with structural heart defects.
Now the U.S. regulatory agency is asking its Drug Safety and Risk Management advisory committee to examine ways of studying further the potential cardiovascular risks of the drugs.
"It almost sounds like cox-2 inhibitor redux," said committee chairman Dr. Peter Gross, referring to cox-2 painkillers like Vioxx and Bextra pulled from the market because of evidence they can raise the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
A posting to the FDA Web site did not identify any of the drugs by name. However, the most commonly used ADHD drugs include Adderall XR, made by Shire Pharmaceuticals, and Ritalin, made by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp. Various other companies make generic versions of Ritalin as well.
I encourage anyone suffering from ADHD to take the Brain Function Questionnaire and consider starting amino acid therapy in place of the drugs mentioned above.
Another reason to take fish oil each day.
Fish oil and DHA
A deficiency of Omega-3 fat is one of the main causes of depression and other mental disorders. Omega-3 fats work to keep us mentally and emotionally strong in three ways: 1) Omega-3 fats act as precursors for the body’s production of preprostaglandins and neurotransmitters (specific hormones). 2) Omega-3 fats provide the substrate for B vitamins and coenzymes to produce compounds that regulate many vital functions, including neurotransmitters. 3) Omega-3 fats provide energy and nourishment to our nerve and brain cells.
Hunter gatherer societies had a 1:1 or 1:5 ration of Omega 6 (vegetable oils) to Omega 3 (fish and flax oils). Modern eating habits have change this ratio that to 12:1 Omega 6 to Omega 3. Omega 3's fatty acids consumed in excess may block the production of Omega 3 fatty-acids. This then leads to an increased risk of developing a mood disorder.
An imbalance in the omega 6 to omega 3 ratio has created an epidemic of mood disorders in America including anxiety, depression, and ADD disorders. This sort of imbalance has been associated with increased levels of depression.
Fish oil contains 2 long fatty acid chains, EPA and DHA.
I Recommend You Have These Three Blood Tests
1. Homocysteine
Homocysteine is a byproduct of the conversion of the amino acids cysteine into methionine. If homocysteine is not converted into methionine it will start to accumulate in the endothelial cells of the arterial wall. This leads to plaque formation and possible arterial occlusion. Homocysteine speeds up the oxidation (causing toxic damage) of cholesterol, which then becomes bound to small LDL particles. Macrophages then infiltrate the particles and transform them into plaque.
A Norwegian study involving over 4700 men and women showed that for each 5-millimol/L increase in homocysteine blood plasma caused the number of deaths from all sources to jump to 49 percent. This included a 50 percent increase in cardiovascular deaths and a 26 percent increase in cancer deaths.
Homocysteine levels should be kept below 7micromol/L of blood plasma. Laboratories general advocate that homocysteine levels are normal up to 15. However, the risk of heart attack greatly goes up when homocysteine levels go above 6.3 points.
Individuals with elevated homocysteine levels should supplement with 500-800mcg of folic acid, 1000-3000mcg of B12, 100-259mg of B6, and if needed 500-900mg of trimethylglycine (TMG) otherwise known as betaine.
2. C-Reactive Protein
C-Reactive protein (CRP) is a marker associated with inflammation. A study reported in the New England Journal Medicine found that CRP is a strong predictor of heart attack and stroke. Men with the highest percentage points had three times the risk of heart attack and twice the risk for stroke.
Guess what helps lower C-Reactive Protein? Fish oil; 6-9 grams a day.
Hopefully you now realize how important it is to take fish oil each day. I personally take between 2-6 grams a day. If you are experiencing a fishy after taste from taking fish oil, try placing them in the freezer. You can also do this with any of my multivitamin formulas that contain fish oil including, the Complete Multi Formula, CFS/Fibro Formula and the Healthy Heart Formula.
3. Fibrinogen
A protein that is involved in regulating blood clotting and platelet clumping.
Fibrinogen is increased by inflammation, oxidative damage, smoking, stress, oral contraceptives, and aging. Elevated fibrinogen levels have also been shown to increase the incidence of stroke.
The New England Journal of Medicine reports that those with elevated levels of fibrinogen were more than twice as likely to die of a heart attack.
The best way to reduce fibrinogen levels is with high doses 6-9grams of fish oil and Nattokinase, a Japanese supplement that is derived from soy protein.
Click here to purchase high quality fish oil from Essential Therapeutics
NEW! A Formula just for Heart Health
The new Healthy Heart Formula from Essential Therapeutics contains 2 grams of fish oil as well as essential multivitamins, CoQ10, and other heart healthy nutrients.
I’m delighted to now offer a comprehensive multivitamin/mineral formula for prevention and treatment of heart disease, arteriosclerosis, stroke, high blood pressure, MVP, congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and other cardiovascular disorders. The Healthy Heart Formula contains 3 optimal daily dose multivitamin tablets, 1 CoQ10 capsule, 1 fish oil capsule, and 1 odorless garlic tablet. There are 60 packs per bottle. I recommend 1-2 packs a day taken with food for prevention and 2 packs a day for treatment of cardiovascular disorders.
Click here to learn more or to purchase Healthy Heart Formula
About Nattokinase
Nattokinase is a potent fibrinolytic enzyme extracted and highly purified from a traditional Japanese food called Natto. Natto is a fermented cheese-like food that has been used in Japan for over 1000 years for its popular taste and as a folk remedy for heart and vascular diseases.
Doctor Hiroyuki Sumi had long researched thrombolytic enzymes searching for a natural agent that could successfully dissolve thrombus associated with cardiac and cerebral infarction (blood clots associated with heart attacks and stroke). Sumi discovered nattokinase in 1980 while working as a researcher and majoring in physiological chemistry at Chicago University Medical School. After testing over 173 natural foods as potential thrombolytic agents, Sumi found what he was looking for when Natto was dropped onto artificial thrombus (fibrin) in a Petri dish and allowed it to stand at 37 C (approximately body temperature). The thrombus around the natto dissolved gradually and had completely dissolved within 18 hours. Sumi named the newly discovered enzyme "nattokinase", which means "enzyme in natto". Sumi commented that nattokinase showed "a potency matched by no other enzyme."
Blood clots (or thrombi) form when strands of protein called fibrin accumulate in a blood vessel. In the heart, blood clots cause blockage of blood flow to muscle tissue. If blood flow is blocked, the oxygen supply to that tissue is cut off and it eventually dies. This can result in angina and heart attacks. Clots in chambers of the heart can mobilize to the brain. In the brain, blood clots also block blood and oxygen from reaching necessary areas, which can result in senility and/or stroke.1 Thrombotic diseases typically include cerebral hemorrhage, cerebral infarction, cardiac infarction and angina pectoris, and also include diseases caused by blood vessels with lowered flexibility, including senile dementia and diabetes (caused by pancreatic dysfunction). Hemorrhoids are considered a local thrombotic condition.
The human body produces several types of enzymes for making thrombus (blood clotting material), but only one main enzyme for breaking it down and dissolving it - plasmin. The properties of nattokinase closely resemble plasmin. According to Dr. Martin Milner, from the Center for Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon, what makes nattokinase a particularly potent treatment, is that it enhances the body's natural ability to fight blood clots in several different ways; Because it so closely resembles plasmin, it dissolves fibrin directly. In addition, it also enhances the body's production of both plasmin and other clot-dissolving agents, including urokinase (endogenous). "In some ways, Milner says, nattokinase is actually superior to conventional clot-dissolving drugs. T-PAs (tissue plasminogen activators) like urokinase (the drug), are only effective when taken intravenously and often fail simply because a stroke or heart attack victim's arteries have hardened beyond the point where they can be treated by any other clot-dissolving agent. Nattokinase, however, can help prevent that hardening with an oral dose of as little as 100 mg a day."
"In all my years of research as a professor of cardiovascular and pulmonary medicine, natto and nattokinase represents the most exciting new development in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular related diseases," Dr. Milner said. "We have finally found a potent natural agent that can thin and dissolve clots effectively, with relative safety and without side effects." Researchers from Biotechnology Research Laboratories and JCR Pharmaceuticals Co. of Kobe, Japan, tested nattokinase's ability to dissolve a thrombus in the carotid arteries of rats. Animals treated with nattokinase regained 62 percent of blood flow, whereas those treated with plasmin regained just 15.8 percent of blood flow.
Researchers from JCR Pharmaceuticals, Oklahoma State University, and Miyazaki Medical College tested nattokinase on 12 healthy Japanese volunteers (6 men and 6 women, between the ages of 21 and 55).
The tests indicated that the natto generated a heightened ability to dissolve blood clots: On average, the volunteers' ELT (a measure of how long it takes to dissolve a blood clot) dropped by 48 percent within two hours of treatment, and volunteers retained an enhanced ability to dissolve blood clots for 2 to 8 hours. As a control, researchers later fed the same amount of boiled soybeans to the same volunteers and tracked their fibrinolytic activity. The tests showed no significant change.
The Benefits of Nattokinase on Blood Pressure
The same natto extract was then tested on human volunteers with high blood pressure. Blood pressure levels were measured after 30 grams of lyophilized extract (equivalent to 200 grams of natto food) was administered orally for 4 consecutive days. In 4 out of 5 volunteers, the systolic blood pressure (SBP) decreased on average from 173.8 + 20.5 mmHg to 154.8 + 12.6 mmHg. Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) decreased on average from 101.0 + 11.4 mmHg to 91.2 + 6.6 mmHg. On average, this data represents a 10.9 percent drop in SBP and a 9.7 percent drop in DBP.
Click here for more info or to purchase Nattokinese
Tamiflu "useless" against avian flu - Doctor who has treated 41 victims of virus says "we place no importance on this drug."
After treating 41 victims of H5N1, the deadly form of the bird flu virus, a Vietnamese doctor has concluded Tamiflu, the drug most widely stockpiled around the world to combat a feared pandemic, is "useless."
Dr. Nguyen Tuong Van, who runs the intensive care unit of the Center for Tropical Diseases in Hanoi, followed World Health Organization guidelines in her treatment of patients but concluded it had no effect on the disease.
"We place no importance on using this drug on our patients," she said. "Tamiflu is really only meant for treating ordinary type A flu. It was not designed to combat H5N1 ... [Tamiflu] is useless."
As WorldNetDaily has reported, officials in at least two nations now suspect the avian flu bug has mutated into a virus that is being transmitted from human to human – a development world health authorities have estimated could result in the deaths of tens of millions.
The WHO confirms Van's experience, admitting Tamiflu has not been "widely successful in human patients," but speculates the drug has not been administered until late in the disease in many Asian countries. © 2005 WorldNetDaily.com
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