CCH Health Review
Ideas & Strategies to Improve Your Health
July 2004
Short Bursts of Exercise Boost Mood and Energy
Melatonin Relieves Stabbing Headaches
Short Bursts of Exercise Boost Mood and Energy
The benefits of exercise on body shape and the heart are well known, but a new study reports that as little as 10 minutes of moderate exercise daily can improve mood and reduce fatigue.
The findings were based on 14 female college students who rode a stationary bicycle at a moderate clip for 10 minutes, 20 minutes or 30 minutes, or sat quietly for 30 minutes. The results showed significant declines in levels of fatigue and confusion and significant improvements in energy levels after 10 minutes of exercise. Exercise longer than 10 minutes did not see additional improvements in their mood or overall sense of well-being.
"In general, the results suggest that exercising for 10 minutes at an aerobic level of 60% (of maximum heart rate) is sufficient for increasing vigor, decreasing fatigue, and decreasing total negative mood state," the researchers concluded.
Source: Health Psychology, 2001.
Melatonin Relieves Stabbing Headaches
Melatonin supplementation may lead to relief of frequent stabbing headaches in three cases in a recent study. For example, in one case, a woman had a reduction in the frequency of stabbing head pains from two per day to none within 24 hours of starting treatment with 9 mg of melatonin per day. Continuing to take melatonin, she remained pain-free at a four-month follow-up.
Stabbing headaches, also known as “jab and jolts” or “ice-pick headaches,” are stabs of sharp and severe pain in any part of the head, usually lasting one second or less. Each stabbing pain can be severe enough to cause momentary disability. Stabbing headaches can occur up to 50 times in a day, with episodes as infrequent as once or twice in a year or as frequent as every day.
Indomethacin, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine, is the only treatment known to prevent stabbing headaches; however, it can cause serious adverse side effects, and people with kidney disease or using blood-thinning medications are not able to take indomethacin.
Melatonin is a hormone produced in the pineal gland (located in the brain). In addition to regulating sleep rhythms and other biorhythms associated with light and dark cycles, it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Melatonin is used to treat sleep disorders, and studies have suggested that it is helpful in treating some cancers, cluster headaches, and headaches associated with sleep disorders.
The three reported cases suggest that melatonin is a possible treatment for frequent stabbing headaches, which could make it an attractive alternative to indomethacin because it has few adverse side effects. Taking melatonin at bedtime eliminates the concern about drowsiness, a relatively common side effect of melatonin.
Melatonin is a powerful hormone. We recommend that you consult with one of our physicians before taking melatonin for headaches or any other health condition.
Source: Neurology, 2004;16:865–6
Peripheral Artery Disease Linked to Low Vitamin C
People with a severe form of arterial disease appear to have low levels of vitamin C in their blood regardless of their diet or smoking habits, study findings suggest.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a form of atherosclerosis, a condition in which fatty build-up accumulates inside the arteries and obstructs blood flow. In PAD, blood flow in the legs and feet is impaired, which can cause lameness and pain. PAD is also associated with an increased risk of death and disability caused by heart attack and stroke.
PAD may cause inflammation and the release of free radicals--compounds that can damage tissue and may contribute to aging and chronic conditions such as cancer and heart disease.
While antioxidants such as vitamin C can "neutralize" these compounds and reduce damage, free radicals can also deplete antioxidants from the body when overall levels are low.
In their study, the investigators found that patients with PAD had vitamin C blood levels nearly twice as low as those in people without PAD. They also had higher levels of C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation in blood vessels that may be associated with increased risk of heart disease.
"Vitamin C concentrations are low in PAD and are associated with inflammation," the authors conclude. "Low-grade inflammation in atherosclerosis may be associated with oxidative stress and the resultant decrease in antioxidants such as vitamin C."
Antioxidants such as vitamin C play an important role in the prevention or mitigation of many chronic disorders. If you have peripheral artery disease, supplemental vitamin C is recommended. You may also need additional nutrients, and if you are quite unwell, you may need intravenous nutrient therapy (see below).
Source: Circulation 2001;103.
How a "Myers Cocktail" Can Relieve Stubborn Health Problems
The "Myers Cocktail" is an intravenous therapy consisting of various mixes of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. It can be very useful in situations where oral nutrients or other therapies are not working. When nutrients are given intravenously, your digestive system is bypassed and a much higher level of nutrition can be delivered directly to your cells via the bloodstream.
The nutrients then kick-start those cells which are performing below par. This type of therapy would be especially appropriate for anyone who has digestive problems, including bloating, diarrhea, food allergies, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, or other GI problem.
The general effect of a Myers Cocktail appears to be a marked improvement in the energy capacity and function of cells. If your cells can function at their best, it's more likely you can recover from a serious health problem.
Click here to read more about the Myers Cocktail IV therapy.
