STAY HEALTHY! - December 2010

STAY HEALTHY!

By J. Manuel Cordova, M. D.t

Medicines, Compound’s Laws and the Truth.
PART I

JAMA (The Journal of American Medical Association) published an eye-opening report in 1998 that 106,000 hospital patients die each year from adverse reactions caused by prescription drugs. Over-the-counter or non-prescription nonsteroidal (No Cortizone Derived) anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen) are responsible for about 16,000 deaths each year. In 2005, the FDA received more than 300,000 serious adverse event reports about drugs. In the same year, it received only 500 such reports about dietary supplements.

Regarding vitamins, minerals and herbal supplements, Dr. Stengler lists some of the well-designed clinical studies and research that demonstrate the effectiveness of:

Omega-3 fatty acids from fish or fish oils or from supplements to improve cardiovascular disease outcomes and reduce cardiovascular disease risk (American Heart Association) and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease (Archives of Neurology, July 2006).

Vitamin C and E to reduce mortality rates from heart disease and other causes. A National Institute of Aging study of over 11,000 people between the ages of 67 and 105 found that those who used supplements of vitamins C and E in various dosages had a 53% reduction in mortality from heart disease and a 42% reduction in all-cause mortality, compared with non-users.

Vitamin E to reduce heart disease. A Harvard study of more than 80,000 female nurses ages 34 to 59 found a 41% reduction in the risk of heart disease in those who had taken daily vitamin E supplements of 100 IU or more for at least two years. A study of almost 40,000 male health professionals ages 40 to 75 years found that those who took daily vitamin E supplements of at least 100 IU for at least two years experienced a 37% reduced risk of heart disease.

Vitamin E to delay progression of Alzheimer’s disease. One study of moderate-severity Alzheimer’s patients conducted at Columbia University in New York City showed that a very high dose of vitamin E (2,000 IU) delayed the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
Vitamin D helps keep bones strong and may help prevent osteoporosis (National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements).

Glucosamine/chondroitin for arthritis. Research funded partially by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases found this supplement combination significantly reduced osteoarthritis pain in those who initially had moderate to severe pain.

Ginkgo biloba to manage or improve cognitive function in elderly and Alzheimer’s patients (MedlinePlus), and for normal tension glaucoma (Ophthalmology, February, 2003).

Will be continued….