CCH Health Review
Ideas & Strategies to Improve Your Health
April 2004
Diabetics May Have Symptomless Heart Disorder
Even diabetics who keep their condition under control and don't have any obvious symptoms of heart disease may be at risk for hidden heart problems, researchers in Canada report. In this study, 60% of men aged 38 to 67 with well-controlled type 2 diabetes had a heart disorder called left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD).
LVDD is an impairment in the relaxation phase of the heart's left ventricle, the main pumping chamber. This can lead to increased pressure and fluids in the lungs or in vessels that return blood to the heart and may be the first sign of diabetes-related heart damage.
Evaluation of 46 diabetic men in the study revealed they not have any obvious signs of heart disease. "The major finding of this study is that LVDD is much more prevalent than previously suggested in subjects with type 2 diabetes who are free of clinically detectable heart disease," the authors concluded.
The findings suggest that heart function should be evaluated soon after type 2 diabetes is diagnosed, even when there are no apparent signs of heart disease. In addition, this study suggests that simply "controlling" diabetes is not sufficient to prevent LVDD. In other words, you want to remove the underlying causes of your diabetes, in addition to controlling blood sugar fluctuations. That Connecticut Center for Health has developed a comprehensive natural therapy program specifically targeted to remove the controllable causes of diabetes.
If you have diabetes or are "pre-diabetic", consult with one of our physicians about reducing your risk of diabetes and LVDD.
To find out more, read our web page on diabetes.
SOURCE: Diabetes Care 2000;24:5-10.
Do You Have a Seasonal Allergy?
Seasonal allergies are most common during the warmer months of spring, summer and fall when the number of plants, grasses and trees that are budding and blooming is much higher. The concentration of pollens in the air is high and you're also outside more enjoying the warm weather, thus increasing your exposure to these pollens. Seasonal allergies occur when your immune system reacts vigorously to air-borne allergens by releasing histamine and other substances that cause swelling and irritation.
What Are The Symptoms?
The classic symptoms of seasonal allergies include sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, and eyes that are itchy, swollen, red and watery. You may also experience an itchy throat, post-nasal drainage and cough.
If you have persistent pain or develop a fever, there may be a bacterial infection that has developed as a secondary complication from the swelling and obstruction. In this case, a visit to our clinic is strongly recommended.
Seasonal vs. Perennial Allergies
Not all allergies are seasonal. Some are perennial, or year-round. Perennial allergens may be found inside the home, including dust mites, animal hair or dander, and mold. These allergens can be reduced with vacuuming, cleaning, and using protective covers for upholstery and bedding. Some people have both seasonal and perennial allergies.
How Are Seasonal Allergies Treated?
A number of over-the-counter medications (mostly antihistamines and decongestants) are available to provide relief for sufferers of seasonal allergies, although they do have potential side effects.
Some natural substances have an antihistamine or anti-inflammatory effect and are useful for seasonal allergies. They include vitamins C and B complex, tyrosine, quercetin, stinging nettles, curcumin, and other herbs containing bioflavonoids. An antioxidant formula may also be helpful.
If you have symptoms of a seasonal allergy, and want to avoid the possible side effects of medications, call our clinic for our seasonal allergy supplement recommendations.
Self Help Strategies
Reduction of exposure to pollens or other air-borne allergens is very important; try to stay away from areas where the allergen is present. During allergy season, it is often helpful to use the air conditioner to keep cool, so that you can sleep with your windows closed or drive with your windows closed and thus reduce your exposure to allergens. Removing or cleaning "allergen traps" (such as carpets or drapes) and changing air filters regularly can be beneficial. Use of an air ionizer will decrease the number of particles in the air and may also provide some relief.
Regular nasal irrigation with a saline (salt water) solution is helpful. Flushing the nasal passages with a saline nasal spray two, three or more times daily reduces the irritating effect of allergens in the mucus membranes of the nose. Similarly, rinsing your eyes with artificial tears can reduce allergic eye symptoms.
If allergy symptoms persist, be sure to call one of our clinics for assistance. It's possible that you have other allergies (environmental or food) or a chronic disease that is also causing inflammation. Your "total load" of inflammation may be exacerbating your seasonal allergy. We will help you to identify and deal with all the factors that are causing your allergy.
Antibiotics Linked to Breast Cancer, Crohn's
Two studies came out last month that cast an unhealthy shadow on the overuse of antibiotics.
In a major study at the University of Washington, the use of antibiotics was associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Earlier reports have suggested a link between antibiotics and increased cancer risk.
When compared to women with no history of antibiotic use, women with cumulative antibiotic use for 1 to 500 days had a 2.5-fold increased risk of breast cancer. Increasing cumulative days of antibiotic also increased the odds of dying from breast cancer.
In another study in the UK, researchers found that taking antibiotics was associated with the subsequent development of Crohn's disease, an inflammatory bowel condition. They surmised that antibiotics, by interfering with the mix of normal bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, might be one of the contributors to Crohn's.
Antibiotics destroy the healthy balance between "good" and "bad" microorganisms in your intestines, thus allowing pathogenic organisms to multiply. This condition is called "dysbiosis", which leads to impaired absorption of nutrition, an altered response by the immune system, and impaired ability to detoxify unwanted substances. Published research has implicated intestinal dysbiosis as contributing to vitamin B12 deficiency, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, autoimmune arthropathies, colon and breast cancer, psoriasis, eczema, cystic acne and chronic fatigue.
There is mounting evidence that antibiotics are overused, with possible unhealthy consequences. One reason for the overuse is that they are wrongly prescribed for colds, flu, or other viral infections. Antibiotics have no effect on viral infections. If you get a viral infection, please do not ask your MD for an antibiotic. A more effective option is to use natural anti-viral agents and other nutritional therapies that support optimal immune function. Call us for more information.
SOURCE: Gut, Feb. 2004; JAMA, Feb. 18, 2004.
