Daily Health Blog

By Bob Condor

We are all consumers of nutrition research. Some of us skim the headlines, maybe wave off the latest plus/minus review of, say, the caffeine in our coffee or whether apples really do keep the doctor away (the answer is yes, and there is even a good argument that eating one to three apples daily an hour before a meal keeps the weight down too).

Others among us are sure to read the newspaper or magazine story, maybe clip it out for a loved one or post it on the fridge. Some slice of individuals dig even deeper, looking up the newest study on the net or, ahem, bookmarking favorite health sites and blogs.

What’s less clear is just how we consumers of nutrition research use the information reported. A new study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine reports an important distinction in how Americans act on scientific findings about herba, vitamins and other dietary supplements. It turns out we are quicker to respond to nutrition research that suggests body harm and don’t waver much if a nutrition shows a supplement is ineffective, yes, but not harmful.

Researchers at the National Institutes of Health’s “bioethics” division analyzed the U.S. sales of five major supplements from 2001 through 2006, then cross-referenced those money figures with positive and negative media reports about the supplements.

Here’s what the federal scientists discovered: For four of the five supplements­–St. John’s wort, Echinacea, saw palmetto and glucosamine­­–there was little or no changes in sales no matter if the news was good (the herb works, helps this disease, products contain what they claim) or bad (the supplement showed no benefit, there is no evidence it works for blank, lab tests show some herb products have less of the active ingredient than promised.

Only in the case of vitamin E were sales adversely affected. In that case, there were widespread media reports and commentaries about a major study linking regular 400 IU doses of vitamin E with increased risk of death from heart attacks and coronary artery disease. There were other studies connecting higher doses of E with potential problems. It was evidently enough to persuade U.S. adults to take less of the vitamin.

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By Bob Condor

More Americans are having trouble reading eye charts. That’s the bottom-line finding from a study published earlier this month in the Archives of Ophthalmology medical journal. Nearly half of all U.S. adults have some sort of vision problem, far greater than any previous estimates. One difference is a much larger number of people with nearsightedness or myopia.

Interestingly, the new stat aligns more closely with other countries’ collective adult vision For instance, it’s a straight-on match with people of Chinese origin. Compromised vision is widely connected by scientists as genetic and not associated with, say, reading too long without corrective lenses or watching too much television and/or playing video games.

Sorry about that final point, parents. You will have to find another explanation why you are turning off the set or signing off.

There are some distinct risk factors for vision problems, including cataracts, glaucoma and age-related macular degneration (when central vision is blurred and peripheral vision is still clear). Smoking and obesity increase risk, and so does inadequate antioxidants in your diet.

An upcoming post will introduce a series of posts related to weight loss, which can not only drop pounds but improve your health in such areas as vision. Smoking? The potential for messing up your future vision, especially developing macular degeneration, seems high motivation to quit.

So let’s talk about antioxidants and dietary supplements. Whether you already struggle with vision problems, don’t want to experience and/or have family history, there are some effective strategies for your food and supplement intake:

Lutein: A number of studies point to this antioxidant and a companion, zeaxanthin, as substances that can prevent or delay eye diseases. Oklahoma State University researchers report that lutein and zeaxanthin reduce cataract risks (especially during post-menopause) and lessen macular degeneraton symptoms.

One vital note about lutein and zeaxanthin: Research shows successful prevention of symptoms only at higher doses, such as 10 to 15 milligrams daily. A lower dose doesn’t appear to have much, if any, effect. In fact, some studies increase the dose to upwards of 40 milligrams per day.

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By Bob Condor

Not surprisingly, the media was quick to report a July study that linked tofu with increased memory loss. As a journalist, I can see the headline is hard to resist. British and Indonesian researchers discovered that older Indonesians (above age 68) who ate high amounts of tofu experienced memory loss at a greater rate than fellow Indonesians who ate tofu moderately.

The study was published in a respected geriatric journal and was funded by an Alzheimer’s research foundation. The researchers pointed out the phytoestrogens or plant nutrients in soy provide “neuroprotection” to the brains of middle-aged individuals (65 and younger) but seem to be potentially too active for the aging brain. More research is needed, said the researchers and the Alzheimer’s officials who commented.

One interesting note that was reported in more complete media reports: Eating large amounts of tempeh, another form of fermented soy that is produced from the whole bean, seemed to actually boost memory in those same older Indonesians. The reason? Probably the higher amount of folate found in tempeh when compared with tofu. Folate or folic acid is B vitamin most widely associated with preventing birth defects when consumed in adequate amounts by expectant mothers. It has been increasingly associated with promoting healthy cell formation (and sustaining the life of cells) in the brain. A daily vitamin B supplement is a feasible protective measure, plus the “B’s” are renowned for fighting off stress.

Here’s the DHB take on tofu: If you are adding some protein to your vegetarian stir-fry, tempeh seems a “safe” choice. But before you skip the tofu option, remember that nutrition research can be more like a marathon than a sprint (to get us in the mindset of this summer’s Olympics in Beijing). You will find lots of warnings about the dangers of soy on the Internet, yet there are plenty of studies that connect soy with healthy immune systems and longevity.

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By Bob Condor

And now for something completely different.

No kidding.

It might not exactly be health research, but your quality of life is at stake.

No joke.

New research suggests men hear the most intimate things you say to them best when told through the left ear. It might be romantic words, angry outbursts, even insides jokes. All best heard through the left ear.

But if you are giving directions or reminding a guy of what he needs to pick up at the store, opt for the right ear.

It all comes down to the left brain, right brain reports we have all heard in years past. Strange as it might sound, the right ear is the “entry point” for the left side of the brain, which is more logical and less emotional—in other words, talk into the right to deliver no-nonense messages. Of course, the left ear controls the more creative right side of the brain, so sweet nothings and your anger need to funnel left.

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By Bob Condor

The Beach Boys aren’t the only ones who can claim “good vibrations.” New research indicates that standing on a vibration platform might very well improve muscle and bone strength, especially in adults who are elderly and/or sedentary.

Researchers at the University of Idaho conducted the study and published it in the journal Current Sports Medicine Reports. That’s a long way from the back of fitness or men’s magazine. The scientists speculated that the vibration platform, which send impulses through the feet, causes muscle fibers to fire up more efficiently and responsively when to compared the usual contractions we experience during a workout.

While the study points out a benefit for elderly or less active individuals, the authors noted that vibration platforms are frequently promoted as a way to help an elite athlete jump higher or run faster. More impressively, the Idaho scientists reported that preliminary studies indicate the vibration platform appears to increase female bone density in the hip when women stand on the device in a squat position for six one-minute cycles three times a week

Interestingly, studies on elite athletes show that perform squats with weights on a vibration platform helps build muscles a bit more effectively than if the weightlifter was working on a gym floor. Exercise scientists do not dismiss the potential of vibration platforms for elite athletes, but most do add that exerting muscles with a weight load on the platform would greatly enhance the training effect.

Another small study reported that the vibration platform stymied spine and hip bone loss that would normally occur in postmenopausal women who used the device for a year.

Nothing wrong with that vibe.

I tried one out myself, and I can vouch for 2 things - it really helps stretch your muscles, and it greatly increases the efficiency of exercises performed on it (I could only do 18 pushups, where normally I could do 40+) and, I'll be buying the Health Mark VF81003 myself

http://www.amazon.com - Health Mark VF81003 Osci Stadium Whole Body Vibration Therapy Machine

I also recommend the version with handles:

http://www.amazon.com - Crazy Fit Massager Body Vibration Plate Exercise Machine

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"Bob Condor is the Daily Health Blogger for Barton Publishing . He is also the Living Well columnist for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer . He covers natural health and quality of life issues and writes regularly for national magazines, including Life, Esquire, Parade, Self, and Outside. He is a former syndicated health columnist for the Chicago Tribune and author of six books, including "The Good Mood Diet" and "Your Prostate Cancer Survivors' Guide." He lives in the Pacific Northwest with his wife and two 11-year-old kids.

Note: This post is for my internet marketing friends who want to learn more about getting more traffic to their websites!

Ever heard of John Reese?

Unless you've studied internet marketing online, you probably don't have a clue who he is.

But I owe him a big debt of gratitude because he has personally helped me become very successful as an online marketer.

Back in 2004, I was just getting started on the internet, and I was devouring anything I could find that taught me about making money online.

I became a big fan of John's Marketing Secrets website, and I remember one particular newsletter he sent out that became a turning point in my life.

After reading about what he called a "brain dump", within a matter of five months I went from being a full-time employee at a CPA firm, to the CEO of Barton Publishing - working from my own
home office full time.

Along with that "brain dump", I spent $997 to buy John's course called Traffic Secrets - which was a series of DVD's, manuals, CD's, and CD-Rom's.

John sold over a thousand copies of that course in less than 24 hours, and became famous for his "Million Dollar Day".

The course itself was worth hundreds of thousands of dollars to me, as I implemented what I learned and quickly grew my business and became respected in my industry.

I've met John Reese and he's given me some personal coaching, and all I can tell you is this:

If you do what he says, you will make money online.

He's one of the smartest marketers you could ever meet.

And if you've ever thought about starting a business online, or growing a business - I encourage you to find anything you can from John, read it, devour it, and implement it.

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By Bob Condor

John Lennon would like it. Give peace a chance and you might just be happier than most of the world. That is the message of new survey directed by Ronald Inglehart, a political scientist at the University of Michigan's Institute for Social Research.

The World Values Survey, conducted regularly by a global network of political scientists and involving 350,000 respondents, named Denmark at the happiest country. Inglehart said the European nation’s happiness derives from democracy, social equity and a “peaceful atmosphere.”

Something tells me the television news is less dreary in Denmark, too.

Not surprisingly, Zimbabwe, the African nation ripped apart by political and social struggles punctuated by violence, graded out as the least happy country. Other countries deemed particularly unhappy include Albania, Ukraine and Georgia.

If you are wondering, the U.S. finished 16th happiest despite being the weathliest.

On the plus side, Inglehart reports that happiness by country and the world overall has increased in 45 of 52 nations in the last three decades.Other countries ranking in the top 10 of happiness: Puerto Rico, Colombia, Northern Ireland, Iceland, Switzerland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Canada and Sweden.

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By Bob Condor

Just in time for the sunniest months of summer, the Environmental Working Group has published an updated report on the effectiveness—make that both effectiveness and ineffectiveness–of sunscreen products. The news is not positive if Coppertone, Banana Boat and Neutragena are on the label.

EWG first made its mark rating fruits and vegetables for pesticide residue, publishing a highly viewed list of Top 10 best and worst (let’s just say Chilean grapes did not fare well). The Washington, D.C.-based advocacy group has expanded its research range to include a deep and informative cosmetics database over the last few years, including a monster sunscreen report first published last summer.

While that report and consumer reaction prompted the Food and Drug Administration to release a statement pledging to develop tougher standards for sunscreen makers, not much has changed. Cynics might say it took the FDA 30 years to even look hard at sunscreen products, so who are we to expect action from one red-hot summer to the next?

EWG discovered found that “15 percent of sunscreen products with an SPF rating of 15 or higher offer inadequate protection from UV rays, or have ingredients that either are known health hazards or have not been tested for safety.” What's more, seven percent of the products (and a larger share of the total market) were deemed to protect only for sunburn and not for the serious long-term skin aging and skin cancer. In an unfortunate twist, EWG discovered that up to half of all sunscreen products break down in the sun. You can check out EWG’s report, including its list of more than 100 recommended sunscreen products at http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/special/sunscreens2008/ Read the rest of this entry »

By Bob Condor

Watermelon, of all things, is good for the blood vessels. It contains substances that relax and open up those blood vessels, which is a major benefit for the body’s heart and circulatory system. In that watermelon slice, no small thing to men who deal with the condition, is potential to reverse erectile dysfunction or ED.

Earlier studies have showed that lycopene concentrations in red-flesh watermelon rival or even outdistance those of tomatoes (see yesterday’s DHB entry). Lycopene has been documented as a protector and fighter against prostate cancer.

What researchers at Texas A&M found in a recent study is that watermelon, despite being 92 percent water, packs a wallop in the other 8 percent. Along with lycopene, watermelon contains other phytonutrients that boost the body. One recent discovered phytonutrient in watermelon is citrulline.

When citrulline is consumed, it converts to the amino acid arginine in the body through the work of selected enzymes. Arginine has long been linked to improved heart and immune function, plus it shows promise as a way to offset Type 2 diabetes.

As for ED, arginine increases the blood supply’s level of nitric oxide that in turn relaxes the blood vessels. Bhimu Patil, director of the fruits and vegetables “improvement” lab at Texas A&M, says the effect is similar to Viagra (used for ED treatments) but not as “organ-specific.” He says regular watermelon consumption might even prevent ED. Another benefit of this nitric oxide reaction is a natural lowering of blood pressure.

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By Bob Condor

Just a few blog entries ago, the DHB reported on the effectiveness of turmeric to reduce inflammation in mice. Curry all around was the conclusion, since there is no toxic dose associated with turmeric. Asian cuisine basked in the healthy glow of the research.

Not to be outdone, the herb oregano is giving a similar boost to Italian foods and pizza sauce. A new study completed by Swiss researchers shows that oregano is an ultimate inflammation fighter. The active ingredient, betacaryophyllin, helped seven out of every 10 mice to recover from inflamed paws.

The study was published here in the U.S. last week in Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences, marking a significant mainstream mile for the herb—and for betacaryophyllin, abbreviated as E-BCP, which is also plentiful in black pepper (“yes, I would like fresh-ground pepper on my salad”), rosemary and cinnamon (also found in research literature to be a regulator of bad cholesterol). Plus, basil, so those Italians clearly know how to stem inflammation too.

Stemming chronic inflammation is no small, as it is increasingly associated with leading to heart attacks and sits at the root of autoimmune disorders including diabetes, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis among others. One promising discovery is oregano and E-BCP could well work to prevent the immune system for overacting and attacking itself, which is at the core of autoimmune disorders.

And there’s more. The Swiss scientists reported that lab findings suggest that oregano could well hold off the bone degeneration associated with osteoporosis. While not part of this study, the researchers speculated that E-BCP could address inflammation of the bowel associated with Chron’s disease.

The new research doesn’t surprise those of us who have discovered oil of oregano, especially as a cold and flu remedy. Natural-health conscious parents say five drops in a bit of water, then gargle with it, stops a sore throat in its tracks. The oil has a strong, bitter taste, so you might want to mask it for kids.

Health practitioners who work with essential oils will point to the triple-threat potency of oil of oregano, identifying it as antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal. European herbal research consistently shows oregano as one of the most potent for immune-boosting properties.

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