CCH Health Review
Ideas & Strategies to Improve Your Health
July-August 2005
Vegetables and Fruits Reduce Arthritis Risk
People who consume more vegetables and fruits have a lower risk of developing arthritis. Vegetables and fruits contain pigments called "carotenoids", which appear to be the agents responsible for the lowered risk. They have an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect.
Researchers at the University of Manchester in the UK analyzed data from a study of more than 25,000 subjects to investigate the association between dietary carotenoids and arthritis risk. Between 1993 and 2001, the group was followed to assess the occurrence of arthritis affecting multiple joints.
Eighty-eight subjects developed arthritis during follow-up and they were matched to 176 healthy comparison subjects.
Average daily intakes of the carotenoids beta-cryptoxanthin and zeaxanthin were 40% and 20% lower for arthritis patients compared with healthy subjects. Further analysis showed that subjects with the highest beta-cryptoxanthin and zeaxanthin intake were about half as likely to develop inflammatory polyarthritis than those with the lowest intake.
Most of us don't eat nearly enough vegetables and fruits. A healthy diet is an inexpensive way to help prevent arthritis and reduce its symptoms.
Source: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, August 2005
One in Six US High School Students Has Asthma
In a national survey of high-school students, approximately one in six reported that they currently have asthma, and of these, more than one in three had an attack during the preceding year, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The incidence of asthma has increased greatly in recent decades. We think that much of it may be related to food or environmental allergies, and a poor quality diet.
For more information about the causes, symptoms and treatment options for asthma, please visit our Asthma web page.
We have substantial experience with identifying and treating asthma, so please contact us if you have a concern about it.
Source: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, August 12, 2005
Progesterone Cream May Deliver a High Dose
Women who use over-the-counter progesterone creams could be exposed to hormone levels comparable to prescription oral progesterone, a small study suggests.
The study compared one brand of progesterone cream with a prescription oral progesterone that, like the cream, is derived from plant sources and provides a hormone that is structurally identical to the natural progesterone in a woman's body. The prescription product, Prometrium, is used as part of hormone replacement therapy after menopause, or for restoring menstruation in younger women whose periods have stopped.
The study found that the over-the-counter cream, when taken as the label directs, exposed study volunteers to as much hormone as the prescription did. However, the cream delivered a steadier dose because it is slowly absorbed through the skin.
We recommend that you not use over-the-counter progesterone creams unless you know exactly how much progesterone is in the product, and how much progesterone you actually need.
The dose of progesterone you get from the cream will depend on how much you apply, how often you apply it, and where you apply it. Some areas of the body absorb better than others.
Your wisest course of action is to consult with one of our naturopathic physicians before you to try to "rebalance" your hormones by yourself. You need expert advice to determine the appropriate amount of progesterone (if any) and the best delivery method for you.
Slathering progesterone cream on your body just because you think it is a good idea is not a good idea. Progesterone is a very powerful hormone. Treat it with respect.
Source: Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, June 2005
