Americans love to take their vitamins. More than 150 million Americans take dietary supplements according to the Council for Responsible Nutrition, a supplement industry trade group.
But what should you do? Walk through the vitamin aisle of any grocery store, and you're hit by a staggering array of options. From vitamin A to glucosamine to milk thistle (what is that, anyway?) to whey protein, it's hard to decide what to take.
That's why this week the Empowered Patient asked four experts -- all medical doctors -- what supplements they take every day.
Their lists may surprise you -- they all take at least two supplements -- some take three or four or more.Choosing a daily vitamin regimen is especially daunting in light of two new studies out this week. In the largest and longest study of its kind, researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, found that vitamins C and E do nothing to protect against heart disease in men.
The study, published in The Journal of the American Medical Association, also found that vitamin E even appeared to raise the risk of bleeding strokes, which, while rare, are often the most deadly. Other research on women and vitamins is also discouraging.
A study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute this week found that a daily regimen of vitamin D and calcium did not offer any protection against invasive breast cancer. With those studies in mind, here's what our panel of experts takes every day. For more advice about vitamins Dr. Andrew Weil; Age: 66; director, Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine; Drweil.com
What he takes:
1. A daily multivitamin/multimineral
2. Vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, heart disease, and multiple sclerosis, as well as other conditions. Studies show many of us are vitamin D deficient. Weil says look on the label to make sure you're getting vitamin D3, not vitamin D2.
. Magnesium. Lack of magnesium may lead to irritablity, muscle weakness, and irregular heartbeat.
4. Juvenon (or "Omega"), a compound believed to enhance cellular health and function. This supplement contains two nutrients, acetyl-L-carnitine and alpha lipoic acid. The company that makes Juvenon says benefits include "more energy," a "sharper mind", and "more restful sleep." Don't MissIn Depth: Empowered Patient
5. Co-Q-10, a supplement that boosts coenzyme Q10, which is produced by the human body and is necessary for the basic functioning of cells. Animal studies have found that coenzyme Q10 helps the immune system work better and makes the body better able to resist certain infections and types of cancer.
Weil, author of 10 books including, "Eight Weeks to Optimum Health," says it is important to take studies, like the one in JAMA, with a grain of salt. "I believe vitamins E and C are important as part of our antioxidant defenses, even if we have not yet documented specific preventive effects," says Weil.
What not to take
Weil says men shouldn't take iron unless they've been diagnosed by a physician as having iron deficiency anemia. He also advises against men taking calcium supplements; he's concerned they could increase the risk of prostate cancer.
Dr. Christiane Northrup; Age: "50 something;" author, "The Secret Pleasures of Menopause;" Drnorthrup.com
What she takes:
1. Antioxidant supplement
2. Fish oil. Some studies have found fish oil, which contains omega 3 fatty acids, can help lower triglyceride levels, lower blood pressure, and help depression, among other uses.
3. Calcium, which can help prevent osteoporosis -- a problem in particular for older women
4. Magnesium
5. Coenzyme Q10
6. Vitamin D
Northrup, an authority on women's health and wellness and author of the new book "The Secret Pleasures of Menopause," says it is important to remember that vitamins are not drugs. They don't work the same way in the body.
"Vitamins are best taken in the correct proportions to each other," says Northrup. For example, she says if you are taking folic acid, which is a B vitamin, you'll do better when you also take the other Bs that make up the B complex. Says Northrup, "That's how nutrients occur naturally and how the body best utilizes them."
What not to take
Northrup says postmenopausal women almost never need iron, and taking too much might pose a risk for heart health.
Dr. Walter Willett; Age: 63; chairman, Department of Nutrition, Harvard School of Public Health What he takes:
1. Multivitamin
2. Vitamin D
Willett thinks the jury is still out on vitamin E and C and heart health. "I don't think we have the final answer," says Willett, the chair of the Department of Nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health. He points out that in the Women's Health Study, women receiving vitamin E experienced a statistically significant 24 percent reduction in total cardiovascular disease mortality.
What not to take
He agrees with Dr. Weil: men don't need extra calcium, and high intake might increase the risk of prostate cancer.
Dr. Melina Jampolis; Age: 38; Drmelina.com
What she takes:
1. Multivitamin
2. Calcium
3. Vitamin D
4. Omega 3
Jampolis, who practices in San Francisco, California, and specializes exclusively in nutrition for weight loss and disease prevention and treatment, says everyone should take a basic multivitamin. "I like to call it an insurance policy," she says.
What not to take
What not to take: "I'm not convinced that the 'beautiful skin' vitamins really help much -- it's much better to get the nutrients from your diet, drink water, and wear sunscreen," Jampolis says.
The bottom line
Our experts agree you shouldn't make decisions about what vitamins to take based on a single study. For example, the JAMA study findings didn't make our experts lose faith in these two vitamins.
"I believe vitamins E and C are important for optimum health as part of our antioxidant defenses, even if we have not yet documented specific preventive effects," Weil says.
The experts also agree that taking vitamins is only part of the larger puzzle. You also need to watch your diet and exercise. And, do your homework. New studies come out all the time.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Vitamin
Monday, June 22, 2009
Headache Will Be Gone!
Our noses have left and right nostrils. Are these nostrils having the
same function for inhaling (breathe in) and exhaling (breathe out)?
Actually it's not the same and we can feel the difference.
Accordingly, the right side represents the sun and the left side
represents the moon.
When having headache, try to close your right nostril and use your
left nostril to do breathing for about 5 min. The headache will be
gone.
If you feel too tired, do it the opposite way. Close your left nostril
and breathe through your right nostril. After a while, you will feel
refresh again.
Because the right side belongs to heat, so it gets hot easily. The
left side gets cold easily.
Women breathe mainly with their left nostril, so they get calm down easily.
Men breathe mostly with their right nostril, so they get angry easily.
When we wake up, do we notice which nostril breathes faster? Is it the
left side or the right side?
If the left nostril breathes faster, you will feel very tired. Close
your left nostril and use your right nostril for breathing and you
will get refresh quickly.
You can teach your kids about it. The effect of breathing therapy is
much better for adults.
I used to have painful headache. When consulted a doctor, he told me
jokingly," You will be all right if you get married!" The doctor did
not bullshit me as he had his theory and supported with testimony.
During that time, I used to have headache every night and I was not
able to study. I took medicine but I was not cured.
One night as I sat down to medidate, I closed my right nostril and
breathed with my left nostril. In less than a week, it seemed that my
headache problem had left me! I continued doing it for about a month
and since then there was no recurrence of headache in me.
This is my own experience. I used to tell others who also suffer
headache to try this method as it was effective for me. It also works
for those who have tried as well. This is a natural therapy, unlike
taking medicines for a long time may have side effect. So, why don't
you try it out?
Practice the correct ways of breathing (breathe in and breathe out)
and your body will be in a very relaxing condition.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Preventive Medication For Malaria
• The objective of preventive medication is to prevent death caused by Plasmodium falciparum Malaria.
• No drug is 100% effective in preventing Malaria.
• Drugs do not prevent initial infection. Mosquitoes still bite and parasites will be transferred to your blood stream.
• It is reasonable not to take Malaria preventive drugs if you are only visiting a Malaria area for up to 3 days: Obsessive mosquito protection should be sufficient.
• The choice whether or not to take preventive medication is yours.
• Malaria may be up to 10 times more common in those who do not take any drug prevention in known Malaria areas.
• About 50% of people do not take the preventive medication as directed.
• Resistance to preventive drugs is a major problem. Assume all of Indonesia has Chloroquin resistance.
• Which preventive drugs to take depends on many factors. This should be discussed with your doctor.
Early Diagnosis and Treatment:
• Malaria has no specific symptoms eg it can mimic Flu, Pneumonia, Gastroenteritis etc. Shivering, headache & high fevers are common.
• Malaria symptoms usually occur more than 7 days after infection but symptoms may occur weeks or months later.
• ANY fever on return from or while travelling in Indonesia may be Malaria and MUST be investigated within 48 hours of onset. Young children and pregnant women are particularly at risk from Malaria.
See a doctor and insist on a Malaria screen.
• If appropriate treatment is started by the fourth day of illness(not infection) then the adult Malaria patient is not likely to die.
• If you are travelling in an area more than 24 hours from medical help consider taking an Emergency Self Treatment Pack for Malaria. Further treatment on return home will still be necessary. Discuss with your doctor.
• Pregnant women and young children should think seriously about travel in known Malaria areas. Our advice is not to travel unless necessary.
Preventive Malaria Drugs:
Discuss preventive treatment with your doctor well before you leave. Your past medical history, any drug allergies, other medication you are taking, whether you are pregnant and the age of children traveling will influence drug choice.
The most commonly used Malaria preventive drugs are:
1. Doxycycline.
• Dose is 100mg per day starting 2 days before travel and continuing for 4 weeks on return.
• Not suitable for pregnant women and children under 8 years.
• Common side effects: Nausea, indigestion, increased sensitivity to sunburn, thrush in females.
2.Mefloquine("Lariam"):
• Dose is one tablet per week taken on the same day each week starting one week before travel and continuing for 4 weeks after return.
• Suitable for pregnant women in the second and third trimesters and can be given to children over 3 months of age but discuss first.
• Common side effects: Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headaches -usually transient. Occasionally confusion, anxiety, agitation, depression, sleep disorders. Incidence of all side effects is low but discuss with your doctor.
3.Other Drugs:
Fansidar, Chloroquin, Proguanil plus Chloroquin combination are also used but not usually recommended by this clinic. Discuss with your doctor.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Natural Food To Keep Your Artery Clean
Your arteries are blood vessels that transport oxygen and nutrients from your heart to the rest of your body. In order for this important process to occur, your arteries should be flexible, strong, elastic and clear of any deposits.
All fruits and vegetables are said to help prevent heart disease, but certain varieties (like apples) pack a particularly powerful punch.
However, over time deposits of fatty substances, cholesterol, cellular waste products, calcium and other substances can build up in your arteries. These plaques can severely restrict blood flow and, even more seriously, they can cause your arteries to rupture, leading to blood clots.
Blood clots can then block your blood flow entirely, leading to heart attack and stroke.
In fact, a build-up of plaques in your arteries, known as atherosclerosis, is the main underlying cause of heart disease.So keeping your arteries clean is not only a key part of your heart health, it's a key to your health overall.
While exercising on most days of the week is an excellent way to keep your arteries healthy, your diet also plays a major role. Here we've identified 10 foods that are especially adept at helping to keep your arteries clean.
1. Grapefruit:
It contains a type of fiber called pectin, which has been shown in animal studies to slow down the progression of atherosclerosis.
2. Green Tea:
This healthy beverage contains procyanidins, which have been found to help prevent blood clots and promote healthy endothelium (the tissues that lines blood vessels and your heart).
3. Apples:
Apples (particularly Red Delicious and Granny Smith) are also rich in procyanidins.
4. Garbanzo beans:
Garbanzo beans contain both soluble and insoluble dietary fiber, which help to remove cholesterol- containing bile from your body. They are also known to help prevent heart disease.
5. Olive oil:
Using olive oil as your exclusive source of oil may cut your risk of coronary heart disease almost in half, according to the CARDIO2000 case-control study, published in Clinical Cardiology. Meanwhile, studies show that particles of LDL (bad) cholesterol that contain monounsaturated fats (found in olive oil) are less likely to become oxidized. This is important because only oxidized cholesterol is able to stick to your artery walls and form plaques.
6. Spinach:
This leafy green contains both vitamin C and vitamin A, which team up to prevent cholesterol from becoming oxidized (and thereby helping to prevent plaques from forming in your arteries).
7. Salmon:
Salmon is rich in omega-3 fats, which make blood less likely to clot inside arteries and prevent cholesterol from becoming damaged or oxidized. Choose wild-caught salmon (instead of farm-raised) for the most benefits.
8. Tomatoes:
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that may make LDL cholesterol much less susceptible to becoming oxidized -- again, this is the first step in the formation of plaque formation and is a major risk factor for heart disease.
9. Swiss Chard:
Swiss chard is an excellent source of the antioxidant vitamin E, which helps prevent free radicals from oxidizing cholesterol. Eating a diet rich in vitamin E has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of developing atherosclerosis.
10. Garlic:
Garlic helps your heart and arteries in numerous ways, including:
- Stimulating the production of nitric oxide in the lining of blood vessels, which may help them to relax
- Inhibiting coronary artery calcification, which serves as a marker for plaque formation
- Preventing the oxidation of cholesterol
- Reducing the formation of nanoplaque (the first building blocks of plaque) by up to 40% and reducing the size of the nanoplaque that has already formed by up to 20%, according to a study by German scientist Professor Güautnter Siegel, M.D., from the University of Medicine in Berlin
Vitamins
ATLANTA, Georgia (CNN)
Americans love to take their vitamins. More than 150 million Americans take dietary supplements according to the Council for Responsible Nutrition, a supplement industry trade group.
But what should you do? Walk through the vitamin aisle of any grocery store, and you're hit by a staggering array of options. From vitamin A to glucosamine to milk thistle (what is that, anyway?) to whey protein, it's hard to decide what to take.
That's why this week the Empowered Patient asked four experts -- all medical doctors -- what supplements they take every day.
Their lists may surprise you -- they all take at least two supplements -- some take three or four or more.
Choosing a daily vitamin regimen is especially daunting in light of two new studies out this week. In the largest and longest study of its kind, researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, found that vitamins C and E do nothing to protect against heart disease in men.
The study, published in The Journal of the American Medical Association, also found that vitamin E even appeared to raise the risk of bleeding strokes, which, while rare, are often the most deadly. Other research on women and vitamins is also discouraging.
A study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute this week found that a daily regimen of vitamin D and calcium did not offer any protection against invasive breast cancer.
With those studies in mind, here's what our panel of experts takes every day. For more advice about vitamins Dr. Andrew Weil; Age: 66; director, Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine; Drweil.com
What he takes:
1. A daily multivitamin/multimineral
2. Vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, heart disease, and multiple sclerosis, as well as other conditions. Studies show many of us are vitamin D deficient. Weil says look on the label to make sure you're getting vitamin D3, not vitamin D2.
3. Magnesium. Lack of magnesium may lead to irritablity, muscle weakness, and irregular heartbeat.
4. Juvenon (or "Omega"), a compound believed to enhance cellular health and function. This supplement contains two nutrients, acetyl-L-carnitine and alpha lipoic acid. The company that makes Juvenon says benefits include "more energy," a "sharper mind", and "more restful sleep."
Don't Miss
In Depth: Empowered Patient
5. Co-Q-10, a supplement that boosts coenzyme Q10, which is produced by the human body and is necessary for the basic functioning of cells. Animal studies have found that coenzyme Q10 helps the immune system work better and makes the body better able to resist certain infections and types of cancer.
Weil, author of 10 books including, "Eight Weeks to Optimum Health," says it is important to take studies, like the one in JAMA, with a grain of salt. "I believe vitamins E and C are important as part of our antioxidant defenses, even if we have not yet documented specific preventive effects," says Weil.
What not to take
Weil says men shouldn't take iron unless they've been diagnosed by a physician as having iron deficiency anemia. He also advises against men taking calcium supplements; he's concerned they could increase the risk of prostate cancer.
Dr. Christiane Northrup; Age: "50 something;" author, "The Secret Pleasures of Menopause;" Drnorthrup.com
What she takes:
1. Antioxidant supplement
2. Fish oil. Some studies have found fish oil, which contains omega 3 fatty acids, can help lower triglyceride levels, lower blood pressure, and help depression, among other uses.
3. Calcium, which can help prevent osteoporosis -- a problem in particular for older women
4. Magnesium
5. Coenzyme Q10
6. Vitamin D
Northrup, an authority on women's health and wellness and author of the new book "The Secret Pleasures of Menopause," says it is important to remember that vitamins are not drugs. They don't work the same way in the body.
"Vitamins are best taken in the correct proportions to each other," says Northrup. For example, she says if you are taking folic acid, which is a B vitamin, you'll do better when you also take the other Bs that make up the B complex. Says Northrup, "That's how nutrients occur naturally and how the body best utilizes them."
What not to take
Northrup says postmenopausal women almost never need iron, and taking too much might pose a risk for heart health.
Dr. Walter Willett; Age: 63; chairman, Department of Nutrition, Harvard School of Public Health
What he takes:
1. Multivitamin
2. Vitamin D
Willett thinks the jury is still out on vitamin E and C and heart health. "I don't think we have the final answer," says Willett, the chair of the Department of Nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health. He points out that in the Women's Health Study, women receiving vitamin E experienced a statistically significant 24 percent reduction in total cardiovascular disease mortality.
What not to take>
He agrees with Dr. Weil: men don't need extra calcium, and high intake might increase the risk of prostate cancer.
Dr. Melina Jampolis; Age: 38; Drmelina.com
What she takes:
1. Multivitamin
2. Calcium
3. Vitamin D
4. Omega 3
Jampolis, who practices in San Francisco, California, and specializes exclusively in nutrition for weight loss and disease prevention and treatment, says everyone should take a basic multivitamin. "I like to call it an insurance policy," she says.
What not to take
What not to take: "I'm not convinced that the 'beautiful skin' vitamins really help much -- it's much better to get the nutrients from your diet, drink water, and wear sunscreen," Jampolis says.
The bottom line
Our experts agree you shouldn't make decisions about what vitamins to take based on a single study. For example, the JAMA study findings didn't make our experts lose faith in these two vitamins.
"I believe vitamins E and C are important for optimum health as part of our antioxidant defenses, even if we have not yet documented specific preventive effects," Weil says.
The experts also agree that taking vitamins is only part of the larger puzzle. You also need to watch your diet and exercise. And, do your homework. New studies come out all the time.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
General Healthy Living In Jakarta, Indonesia
Healthy Living in Jakarta, Indonesia
Air.
- All major Indonesian cities have severe atmospheric pollution. This can be unpleasant but exposure during a normal 2-3 year posting is unlikely to cause new health problems.
- Pre existing respiratory problems may be aggravated but asthma is very common in Indonesia also Hay fever is common.
Water
- Do not drink tap water anywhere in Indonesia
Bottled water is widely available and should be used for drinking, tooth brushing and for a final rinse after washing fruit and vegetables.
- Most foods are available.
- Fruit and vegetables are of reasonable quality.
- Meat and fish from public markets should generally be avoided.
- Supermarkets offer much higher food handling standards.
Restaurants
- Many restaurants have acceptable hygiene standards. These standards can vary daily and with food type irrespective of the quality of the restaurant or hotel.
- Roadside food stalls should be avoided especially Padang food stalls.
- Shellfish, snails and uncooked fish should not be eaten.
HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS: Lifestyle:
- Expatriates often have an unhealthy lifestyle in Indonesia.
- Many people do not exercise sufficiently because of the heat and pollution.
- Excessive alcohol consumption, smoking and overeating are common.
- Many people gain weight.
- Try to moderate your diet and exercise regularly.
Vaccinations:
- Start all vaccinations well before posting as you may need a course of injections.
- Check with your doctor that all previous vaccinations are up to date.
- All adult and childhood vaccinations can be given at the all Jakarta Hospitals or Clinics.
Medications:
- Most medications are available in Indonesia.
- The Hospitals, Pharmacy or Drug Store or Clinics arround Jakarta they have stocks medicines.
- If you are on Medications ussually supplied from your country before leaving.
- If you require long term medication initially bring 3 months supply with you.
Doctors and Clinics:
- Expatriate doctors generally can not practise in Indonesia but there are exceptions.
- Some local Clinics are well equipped but generally not of Western standard.
- Some clinics are with associated cultural and language problems.
- Ensure disposable needles and syringes and sterile instruments are used.
- Try to avoid any surgical procedures.
- Contact the your doctor at home town or Insurance Company Doctor for recommended Hospitals, Clinics, Specialists, Medical Laboratories and X
-Ray Clinics before any invasive procedure
- Blood tests, X-Rays, etc quality are good quality at the Big Hospitals.
- You will have to pay for all treatment in Indonesia. Carry adequate cash with you or some Hospital they accept credit card too.
House and Hotel Calls:
- Home visits are usually not available unless if you contact with Expats clinic
- Hotels have a doctor on call or a hotel clinic. Expect high fees
- It is often preferable to proceed directly to the clinic or hospital.
Ambulance:
- Ambulance services are usually owned by hospitals or private clinics and are often not of Western standard. Payment before service is normal
- It may be faster to go by car or taxi to a clinic or hospital
Blood Bank
- The Red Cross monitors blood banks. Standards are variable. Blood supply is not a free service.
- Avoid blood transfusion if possible. Insist blood is re screened by the hospital before transfusion. Contact the your family doctor first
Dentists:
- Good quality treatment is available in Jakarta at recommended dental clinics. Request an indication of likely fees before starting treatment. Contact the hospital or clinic for recommended dentists or for to make an appoitment before you see doctor
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
To Much Cola Cause A Problem
WEDNESDAY, May 27 (Health Day News)
Drinking too much cola can increase the risk of a muscle problem called hypokalemia, experts warn.In people with hypokalemia, a drop in blood potassium levels results in problems with vital muscle functions.
Symptoms can range from mild weakness to serious paralysis,
say Greek researchers who conducted a review of people who drank between
two to nine liters of cola a day.
Two of the patients were pregnant women who were admitted to hospital with low potassium levels.
One was a 21-year-old woman who drank up to three liters of cola a day and complained of fatigue, appetite loss and persistent vomiting.
An electrocardiogram revealed she had a heart blockage, and blood tests showed she had low potassium levels, the researchers explained in a news release.
The second pregnant patient, who'd consumed up to seven liters of cola a day for 10 months, had low potassium levels and was suffering from increasing muscular weakness, the researchers noted. Both patients made a rapid and full recovery after they stopped drinking cola and took oral or intravenous potassium.
The case studies are described in the June issue of the International Journal
of Clinical Practice. "We are consuming more soft drinks than ever before,
and a number of health issues have already been identified including tooth problems, bone demineralization and the development of metabolic syndrome
and diabetes," and there's increasing evidence that excessive cola consumption leads to hypokalemia, Dr. Moses Elisaf, of the University of Ioannina, said in the news release. Elisaf said the three most common ingredients in cola -- glucose, fructose and caffeine -- can contribute to hypokalemia.
"The individual role of each of these ingredients in the pathophysiology of cola-induced hypokalemia has not been determined and may vary in different patients," Elisaf said. "However, in most of the cases we looked at for our review, caffeine intoxication was thought to play the most important role.
This has been borne out by case studies that focus on other products that contain high levels of caffeine but no glucose or fructose."However, "caffeine-free cola products can also cause hypokalemia because the fructose they contain can cause diarrhea," Elisaf said.
More informationThe MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia has more about hypokalemia
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