FHN Complementary Medicine Monthly Newsletter March 2009
www.mrdrpilot.blogspot.com
Green Tea Catechin Consumption Enhances Exercise-Induced Abdominal Fat Loss in Overweight and Obese Adults
As the weight loss industry got rid of ephedra (yeah!) as a weight loss supplement they have been touting many alternatives. Here is an article on green tea.
This study evaluated the influence of a green tea catechin beverage on body composition and fat distribution in overweight and obese adults during exercise-induced weight loss. Participants were assigned to receive a beverage containing 625 mg of catechins with 39 mg caffeine or a control beverage (39 mg caffeine, no catechins) for 12 wk. Participants were asked to maintain constant energy intake and engage in 180 min/wk moderate intensity exercise, including 3 supervised sessions per week. Body composition, abdominal fat areas, and clinical laboratory tests were measured at baseline and wk 12.
Percentage changes in fat mass did not differ between the catechin and control groups. However, percentage changes in total abdominal fat area, subcutaneous abdominal fat area, and fasting serum triglycerides were greater in the catechin group. These findings suggest that green tea catechin consumption enhances exercise-induced changes in abdominal fat and serum TG.
So with all the other health benefits of green tea add the exercise and you have a wonderful additive to weight loss.
Sincerely
Drs. Glenn and Julie Smith
Complementary Medicine
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Monday, February 09, 2009
Kidney Vitality February 2009
FHN Complementary Medicine Monthly Newsletter February 2009
The Vital Energy Kidney
This is the 5th (and last, don’t jump for joy!!) of the series of articles on Chinese physiology. This month we will talk about the Kidney.
The kidney’s have a similar function in both eastern and western medicine, that is filtering water and waste. In Chinese thought qi flows like water and the kidneys are where the vital energy (qi) stems from. This keeps us going from the day we are born until the day we die. It affects all aspects of life from sleeping, to sexual function and reproduction to stamina and mental clarity. In Chinese medicine often we must support the kidney’s before any other treatment will work.
So how do you strengthen the kidney’s? First is to keep the kidney’s hydrated with fresh, clean water. The emotion of the kidney is fear ( when you are afraid you urinate more!). So doing things to create hope, like reading uplifting materials, praying etc. Movement will unparallize you, the fear, and the kidney, so do some gentle movement, like tai chi, chi gong, or yoga.
Herbs like salvia root and cordyceps will help tonify the kidney. Foods that tonify include peaches, nectarines, black beans, olive oil, and Chinese cabbage. (These are just a few)
As we get moving into spring spend some time and get your vital energy flowing.
Sincerely
Drs. Glenn and Julie Smith
Complementary Medicine
Monday, January 05, 2009
Moving on ....the Liver Jan 2009
FHN Complementary Medicine Monthly Newsletter January 2009
Moving on with life…the Liver
The liver in both eastern and western medicine is an extremely important organ, (in Chinese thought it is a system not just the organ). It is the chemical factory and warehouse of the body and it is involved in detoxification. In TCM one of the livers’ primary functions is to move Qi (energy) throughout the body and mind. As such, moving forward with life and goals is important to healthy liver function. Inability to do this may point to a stagnation of liver Qi. One way to deal with this is to start with physical detox and work your way up to mental detox and movement.
If you are like the rest of us you probably over did the food and drink over the holiday season. Many of you probably have resolutions (goals) to lose some of those holiday pounds and exercise more, etc. To make those happen we may need to kick start the liver. Going on a detox diet, taking some liver specific herbs (ie. milk thistle, bupluerum, etc.), and doing some light movement (ie qi gong or yoga) are good ways to start.
You will find that the rest of the weight loss and goals etc. will go easier and quicker if you give a little TLC to the liver.
Sincerely,
Drs. Glenn and Julie Smith
Complementary Medicine
Monday, December 01, 2008
Tis The Season of the Heart
FHN Complementary Medicine Monthly Newsletter December 2008
Tis the season of the Heart
It is the holiday season where we turn our hearts to peace and goodwill toward men. What better time to talk about the heart. The heart in Chinese physiology obviously moves the blood around the body but also is the store house of the emotions. When the balance of the five emotions (joy, grief, worry, fear, and anger) is not there, it is reflected in our physical and emotional well being. We get palpitations, depression, and immune system depression just to name a few. Just as when blood doesn’t flow smoothly, it causes physical problems. When the emotions don’t flow smoothly, it prevents you from moving forward in life.
The Chinese are constantly striving to balance the physical and emotional aspect to bring about healing the whole person.
So in this month of celebrating Christmas let’s strive for a balance in food, drink, rest, and emotion.
May you be filled with peace, joy, and love this holiday!
Sincerely,
Dr. Glenn, Dr. Julie, Julie, Linda, Amanda
Complementary Medicine
Monday, November 03, 2008
Lungs November 2008 Newsletter
FHN Complementary Medicine Monthly Newsletter November 2008
Lungs/Immunity
Last month we looked at the spleen function from a Chinese medical point of view. This month we will look at the lungs. With “cold and flu season” on the way immunity/ lungs play a huge role. The lungs connect to the outside environment from the very first breath we take. In TCM the lungs and skin are all part of the same system in that they shield you from environmental influences. Therefore sweating (skin) and fevers are part of the way the lungs use to expel the pathogens they come in contact with. One of the ways that TCM deals with early onset of pathogens is to expel them by diaphoresis using herbs. We have a product called Essential Defense that does exactly that. Many times if taken at the initial stages it stops the progression of the pathogen and the symptoms abate within a day.
Tonifying the lungs is one of the best ways to prevent cold and flu’s and allergies. Chi Gong exercises have specific breathing and movements designed to do exactly that. Other ways of tonifying include acupuncture and diet therapy to reduce inflammation and mucous, such as curcumin, ginger, asparagus, broccoli, artichokes, etc.
So as winter approaches start tonifying your lungs with diaphragmatic breathing, eating right and moving the rib cage and lungs….you will be surprised.
Sincerely,
Drs. Glenn and Julie Smith
Friday, October 03, 2008
October 2008 Health from the East
FHN Complementary Medicine Monthly Newsletter October 2008
Wellness from the Eastern point of view
Oriental Medicine (OM) emphasizes the need for balance and harmony in the body in order to maintain health in all aspects of life. The key to health/wellness in oriental medicine is simplified into keeping five main systems/organs in balance. The five organ systems (Diet/Spleen, Emotions/Heart, Immunity/Lungs, Detoxification/Liver, and Spirit/Kidney) work together to perform physiologic functions in the body and interact and affect the other. This month we will focus on Diet/ Spleen function. In the months to come we will cover the rest.
Diet/ Spleen
The spleen organ system ( note it is more than just the named organ) in Chinese thought is in charge of all digestion. The spleen doesn’t like cold or damp food, as it is hard to assimilate. Raw foods in
There is much more to the spleen organ system than we just mentioned but those are some of the basics.
Sincerely,
Drs. Glenn and Julie Smith
Complementary Medicine
Friday, September 05, 2008
Pain Eraser Sept 2008
FHN Complementary Medicine Monthly Newsletter September 2008
Chronic Pain Gone in minutes!!!
Sounds to good to be true. That’s what Dr. Julie and I said when we heard those claims but decided to check it out further. Dr. Stephen Kaufman has developed what he terms Pain Neutralization Technique (PNT) to do just that. Dr. Kaufman bases PNT on some well known neurological principles. Some of those are the golgi tendon reflex (stretch reflex), competitive inhibition, and myotatic reflexes.
Activating the golgi tendon reflex in a muscle group that has pain or trigger points result in the muscle going flaccid. Witness weightlifters who try to over lift and lose the strength in the muscle. By contrast, stretching a muscle and stimulating the myotatic reflex will strengthen that muscle. Dr. Kaufman has combined these two principles in some very simple yet unique ways to affect the pain relief.
As I said we were skeptical so we took a training seminar with Dr. Kaufman, and sure enough after a little practice and some trail and error we were turning off some very stubborn pain.
Sincerely
Drs. Glenn and Julie Smith
ComplementaryThursday, August 07, 2008
I'm Stuck on Mastic Gum Aug. 2008
FHN Complementary Medicine Monthly Newsletter August 2008
I’m Stuck on Mastic Gum
Mastic gum is a resin from an evergreen shrub found in the middle east. It has been utilized for centuries for digestive disorders.
There have been several recent and not so recent articles on mastic gum healing ulcers.
The first was in 1998 in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that mastic gum inhibited 7 different strains of H. pylori, including three that were resistant to antibiotic therapy. A 2007 study from the
Patient usually show marked improvement in two weeks of therapy and substantial improvement/ healing in thirty days. Before some asks, mastic gum is a resin that they put in capsule form, so you won’t have to be chewing it.
Sincerely
Drs. Glenn and Julie Smith
Complementary Medicine
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Cockleburs July 2008 Newsletter
FHN Complementary Medicine Monthly Newsletter July 2008
I hate cockleburs….or do I?
How many times have you had a walk in nature and come back with the pesky cockleburs? Or your dog or cat comes in from outdoors and you have to spend time pulling out those pesky burrs? Well next time before you start uttering four letter words (like….. darn) think about the following. Cockleburs ( Xanthium strumarium, the Chinese call it Cang Er Zi) has been used for centuries in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. You know the runny nose and itchy eyes that are brought on by pollens, grass, etc. Those things that are especially nasty from spring to late summer.
Xanthium has been found to inhibit the formation of histamine in the body. This is different than an antihistamine which block the receptor site for histamine but doesn’t reduce the production of it. The net effect is it reduces the allergic response without all the drowsiness associated with some antihistamines.
At Complementary Medicine we have a product called Xanthium 12 (which actually has twelve herbs in it) that we use for allergies. The synergistic herbs also act on other pathways and help reduce some of the other causes of inflammation (ie leukotrienes) in the upper respiratory system.
So next time you stumble over a cocklebur use another four letter word like I “love” it.
Drs. Glenn and Julie Smith
Complementary Medicine
Monday, June 02, 2008
Sunburn June 2008 Newsletter
FHN Complementary Medicine Monthly Newsletter June 2008
Sunburn…it’s summer
Well believe it or not summer is finally coming to northern
Dosages in the study ranged from 15mg to 180mg per day.
The problem with the timing of this newsletter is that it required a minimum of 10 weeks of supplementation to offer the protection. So if you have already been taking beta carotene, you may drop back on the number sunblock you have been using and get a better tan. If not start now and wait until the end of the summer to drop the sunblock number down.
Sincerely
Drs. Glenn and Julie Smith
Complementary Medicine
Monday, May 05, 2008
Proton Pump Inhibitors and B12 May 2008
FHN Complementary Medicine Monthly Newsletter May 2008
Proton Pump Inhibitors and B12
Vitamin B12 deficiencies in the elderly can be quite significant and cause significant problems, from fatigue to mental disorientation, to anemias. A recent study comparing longer term use of proton pump inhibitor’s (PPI) and H2 blockers and B12 deficiencies in the elderly, showed some interesting results.
659 subjects (AGE 60-102) were studied. 54 percent of them were either on H2 blockers or PPI for an average duration of 18.2 months. B12 levels were measured in all patients including those not on either med (controls).
The group on the PPI had significant decline in their B12 status that was not was not eliminated with oral B12 supplementation. Those on the H2 blockers did not show a decline.
(author note: They used extremely low (RDA) dosages of B12 for oral supplementation which in this case certainly was not enough.)
So if have elderly patients or relatives on PPI’s, their B12 status needs to be continually monitored.
Sincerely
Drs. Glenn and Julie Smith
Complementary Medicine
Monday, March 03, 2008
When you're Hot your Hot March 2008
FHN Complementary Medicine Monthly Newsletter March 2008
When your hot your hot!!!
Cold and Flu season has certainly been with us this winter. The CDC just released a study stating that this particular flu vaccine has not been as effective as previous years. Many have suffered the ravages of the cold and flu with fever being one of the major symptoms. So what do you do, reach for the Tylenol or aspirin, or ibuprofen and break that nasty fever, right?
We have been preaching for years that fever is your friend. Here are some studies to back that up.
In a randomized controlled trial “volunteers” where given intranasal rhinovirus type2. They were then given aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or placebo. Those given the antipyretics had longer viral shedding (were contagious longer), had worse turbinate swelling, and nasal obstruction. Two other recent studies with rhinovirus had similar results.
Another study with influenza A showed that those given antipyretics where sick an average 3.5 days longer than those that did not.
We are not saying that you don’t treat the fever if it becomes inappropriate. The definition of inappropriate needs to be set between you and your medical provider.
We are also not saying do nothing. Keep the body hydrated and electrolyted. Calcium and magnesium will help keep the fever modulated (but not turned off), as well as help with some of the body aches. Homeopathic cold and flu can help shorten the course of the illness.
So when it’s cold outside enjoy the HEAT!!
Sincerely
Drs. Glenn and Julie Smith
Complementary Medicine
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Dancing February 2008 Newsletter
FHN Complementary Medicine Monthly Newsletter February 2008
Remember to Dance!!!
“ Dancing with the Stars” has brought back the popularity of ballroom dancing. But did you know that dancing is also good for your cardiovascular system and can reduce the risk of various forms of dementia including Alzheimer’s, vascular and mixed types!
The June 2003 edition of the New England Journal of Medicine demonstrated in a landmark study report that dancing reduced all forms of dementia.
Romualdo Belardinelli, M.D., director of cardiac rehabilitation at Lancisi Heart Institute in
Results revealed that both the waltzers and standard cardiac exercisers showed improvement in cardiopulmonary function. However, the waltz group scored better in quality of life and functional measures as assessed by the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire. The waltz group reported more improvement in sleep, mood, the ability to perform hobbies, housework and sex. Also, no one had to withdraw from the waltz program!
So dance your way to a healthy heart and memory! And, you are invited to join us for our next dance class of the TANGO to begin Fridays in February. Contact the Freeport Park District to register.
Sincerely
Drs. Julie and Glenn Smith
Complementary Medicine
Friday, January 04, 2008
Nutrients for Surgery January 2008
FHN Complementary Medicine Monthly Newsletter January 2008
Doc, What Nutrients do I stop before surgery, and what do I take to promote healing?
We hear that question all the time. So I thought we should review what we recommend as a general rule. Obviously everyone is different and if you are taking certain nutrients that you aren’t sure of, talk it over with a health care provider. Also if there are complications this list can change and grow substantially. So much for the disclaimers!!!
What to stop before surgery.
Let me give you the list the American Medical Association publishes and their reasons.
Echinacea: immune suppression (could interfere with wound healing), liver inflammation in combination with certain drugs
Ephedra: (ma huang) heartbeat irregularities, blood pressure
Feverfew: bleeding
Garlic: bleeding
Ginkgo Biloba: bleeding
Ginseng: bleeding, low blood sugar
Goldenseal: high blood pressure and swelling
Kava: increase anti-seizure medications and/or anesthesia effects
Licorice: high blood pressure; swelling; electrolyte imbalances
Saw Palmetto: interact with hormone therapies
Valerian: increase anti-seizure medication effects or prolong anesthesia effects
A few comments: Licorice in the therapeutic doses found in most supplements has been shown to be perfectly safe. (VERY LARGE Doses have been a problem). There is no good clinical evidence to back up the claim against echinacea , as a matter of fact the reverse is true.( It helps immune system function). Ginseng’s blood sugar lowering effects have been greatly overplayed, as most literature points out it will help normalize blood sugar. So if you are extremely high and on meds it may bring it down to the point that the meds need to be reduced.
I would add to the list of herbs to stop 2 weeks prior to surgery:
Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis ): Bleeding
Dan Shen ( Red Sage): Bleeding ( The Chinese use this herb as a cheaper substitute for ginseng in many formulas)
Vitamin E should always be stopped several weeks before surgery for it’s bleeding effects
So what should you take to help heal from the surgery.
This is a program from Alan Gaby MD and Jonathan Wright MD.
Begin this program 2 weeks prior to surgery and continue it for 4 weeks after surgery. Take:
· High-potency multiple vitamin and mineral supplement (including Vitamin K)
· Vitamin C, 1,000 mg, 2-3 times a day
· Vitamin E, 400 IU/day (Start this after surgery)
· Vitamin A, 25,000 IU/day
· Zinc (picolinate or citrate), 30 mg/day
· Copper, 2 mg/day
· Flavonoids:
-- Citrus bioflavonoids, 500-1,000 mg., 2-3 times a day; or
-- Herbal Flavonoids 2-3 capsules per day;
-- Centella asiatica (Gotu Kola standardized extract
· Proteolytic enzymes are recommended to reduce inflammation and swelling at the surgical site. Choices include:
-- Pancreatin, 1,400 mg, 2-3 capsules, 3 times a day; or
-- Bromelain (2,000 mcu/g), 250 mg, 2-3 capsules, 3 times a day.
Enzymes should be started as soon as possible after surgery and continued for one week. The dosage may be reduced by half after the first 3 days. Enzymes work best when taken on an empty stomach.
Homeopathic Arnica 30x this can be started right after surgery as sublingual drops.
Probiotics before and after.
Sincerely
Drs. Glenn and Julie Smith
Complementary Medicine
Nutrients for Surgery January 2008
FHN Complementary Medicine Monthly Newsletter January 2008
Doc, What Nutrients do I stop before surgery, and what do I take to promote healing?
We hear that question all the time. So I thought we should review what we recommend as a general rule. Obviously everyone is different and if you are taking certain nutrients that you aren’t sure of, talk it over with a health care provider. Also if there are complications this list can change and grow substantially. So much for the disclaimers!!!
What to stop before surgery.
Let me give you the list the American Medical Association publishes and their reasons.
Echinacea: immune suppression (could interfere with wound healing), liver inflammation in combination with certain drugs
Ephedra: (ma huang) heartbeat irregularities, blood pressure
Feverfew: bleeding
Garlic: bleeding
Ginkgo Biloba: bleeding
Ginseng: bleeding, low blood sugar
Goldenseal: high blood pressure and swelling
Kava: increase anti-seizure medications and/or anesthesia effects
Licorice: high blood pressure; swelling; electrolyte imbalances
Saw Palmetto: interact with hormone therapies
Valerian: increase anti-seizure medication effects or prolong anesthesia effects
A few comments: Licorice in the therapeutic doses found in most supplements has been shown to be perfectly safe. (VERY LARGE Doses have been a problem). There is no good clinical evidence to back up the claim against echinacea , as a matter of fact the reverse is true.( It helps immune system function). Ginseng’s blood sugar lowering effects have been greatly overplayed, as most literature points out it will help normalize blood sugar. So if you are extremely high and on meds it may bring it down to the point that the meds need to be reduced.
I would add to the list of herbs to stop 2 weeks prior to surgery:
Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis ): Bleeding
Dan Shen ( Red Sage): Bleeding ( The Chinese use this herb as a cheaper substitute for ginseng in many formulas)
Vitamin E should always be stopped several weeks before surgery for it’s bleeding effects
So what should you take to help heal from the surgery.
This is a program from Alan Gaby MD and Jonathan Wright MD.
Begin this program 2 weeks prior to surgery and continue it for 4 weeks after surgery. Take:
· High-potency multiple vitamin and mineral supplement (including Vitamin K)
· Vitamin C, 1,000 mg, 2-3 times a day
· Vitamin E, 400 IU/day (Start this after surgery)
· Vitamin A, 25,000 IU/day
· Zinc (picolinate or citrate), 30 mg/day
· Copper, 2 mg/day
· Flavonoids:
-- Citrus bioflavonoids, 500-1,000 mg., 2-3 times a day; or
-- Herbal Flavonoids 2-3 capsules per day;
-- Centella asiatica (Gotu Kola standardized extract
· Proteolytic enzymes are recommended to reduce inflammation and swelling at the surgical site. Choices include:
-- Pancreatin, 1,400 mg, 2-3 capsules, 3 times a day; or
-- Bromelain (2,000 mcu/g), 250 mg, 2-3 capsules, 3 times a day.
Enzymes should be started as soon as possible after surgery and continued for one week. The dosage may be reduced by half after the first 3 days. Enzymes work best when taken on an empty stomach.
Homeopathic Arnica 30x this can be started right after surgery as sublingual drops.
Probiotics before and after.
Sincerely
Drs. Glenn and Julie Smith
Complementary Medicine
Friday, December 07, 2007
December 2007 Holiday greeting
FHN Complementary Medicine Monthly Newsletter December 2007
” Every good and perfect gift is from above”
As we approach the busy holiday season, we sometimes get so wrapped up in the hustle and business that for some it is overwhelming. We are reminded as health care workers that this season finds many who are lonely and depressed, with all the stresses of the season they have a much more difficult time dealing than any other time of year.
Let us take a moment out of our busy lives and reach out a comforting hand, a kind word, a selfless deed to all people around us, as you never know who might need it.
We in
Let’s be thankful for that abundance and the opportunity to serve as we head into a new year with the many changes that are about to come. And remember that “ every good and perfect gift is from above ”.
Mercy, peace, and love be yours in abundance.
Sincerely
Complementary Medicine
Dr. Julie, Dr. Glenn, Julie, Linda, and Dana
Friday, November 02, 2007
Thiamine November 2007
FHN Complementary Medicine Monthly Newsletter November 2007
Is your diuretic giving you BeriBeri??????
So what is beriberi? It is a deficiency of the B1 vitamin known as thiamine. Symptoms include weight loss, emotional disturbances, impaired sensory perception (Wernicke's encephalopathy), weakness and pain in the limbs, and periods of irregular heart rate. Edema (swelling of bodily tissues) is common. In advanced cases, the disease may cause heart failure and death. The disease was common in
Nutritional Reviews 58(10): 319-323 had an article studying the effects of diuretics on thiamin. It found that many diuretics deplete thiamine and magnesium.
Interesting magnesium is needed to convert thiamin into its active form and also relaxes smooth muscle and reduces BP.
So if you are on a diuretic you may need more than just your potassium replaced. Some small doses of B1 and magnesium may help reduce the amount of the diuretic you need and may help your heart not advance into congestive heart failure.
Sincerely
Drs. Glenn and Julie Smith
Complementary Medicine
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Cold Laser How it works Oct 2007
FHN Complementary Medicine Monthly Newsletter October 2007
What’s in a Therapeutic Laser and Why does it work.??????
Those are two of the more frequent questions we get asked about LASER therapy that we do here at Complementary Medicine. As most of you know we use a low power laser for smoking cessation, carpal tunnel, weight lose, wound healing, and many pain control applications. So how does shining a light on it make good things happen? There have been many PhD papers written on the subject and much additional research is being done daily. We are going to look at this from a very rudimentary level. (For those of you who hate physics!)
We are fortunate to have a class 4 laser which gives us enough power to effect deeper tissues effectively. So …..What’s in a laser. We actually have 3 laser in one. They are made of special LED’s (similar to those lights that are on all your electronic equipment these days). We have three separate diodes that produce 3 separate wavelengths of light. (650nm red light, 790nm infrared, and 975nm infra red, for those who just have to know). The different wavelengths they have found have different therapeutic effects and different penetrating effects. Those diodes are then put through different lenses to additionally focus the light to a small beam.
Why does it work? Many in the medical community are surprised to find out that there is good solid physics behind the physical effects. So what are some of them? Just a quick review of cell biology. Inside the cells are “chromophores”, these are light sensitive apparatus that are responsible for many functions inside the cell including ATP (energy) formation.
So the first thing the laser does is increase energy at the cellular level. When tissue is damaged it requires increase energy levels to heal. Other documented effects are the increase in nitric oxide, calcium ion balance restoration, increased collagen formation in the fibroblasts, increased action potential in nerves, stimulation of immune system. These are a few known effects, more are being learned everyday.
Beside the wavelength being an important factor in therapeutic laser so is dosage measured in Joules (watt-secs) of energy. We must get enough laser energy to the tissue that we want to effect to get the physical effects to happen. Our new class 4 laser has from 10mw to 5 watts of power that we can deliver to the tissue. This allows us to effect tissues we could not have previously reached and to cut treatment times down.
So there is a short course in why it works. We hope you find this useful.
Drs. Glenn and Julie Smith
Complementary Medicine
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Carnitine Deficiency From Antibiotic
FHN Complementary Medicine Monthly Newsletter Sept. 2007
Carnitine Deficiency Associated with Antibiotic Use
There was a recent case (to be published in Pediatrics) about an 18 month old boy who was on long term antibiotic therapy for “intractable” otitis media. The boy was admitted to the hospital having seizures, convulsions, and loss of consciousness. Lab tests revealed hypoglycemia and hypocarnitinemia. IV glucose was ineffective against the seizures and LOC. IV carnitine resolved both.
The antibiotic involved with this case was a Cephem (Cefitorem Pivoxil). It appears that the antibiotics containing Pivalic Acid all deplete carnitine. Some other antibiotics that involve pivalic acid include Pandocillin and Selexid.
All tissues that use fatty acids as a fuel source, or require coenzyme A for cellular reactions, require availability of carnitine for normal function.
Carnitine has been shown in several studies to be effective in reducing heart related problems including
We have been talking for years about how we need to replace the good bacteria (Probiotic) with antibiotic use. Now it becomes obvious that use of these antibiotics should also include supplementation with carnitine.
Sincerely
Drs. Glenn and Julie Smith
Complementary Medicine
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Tamoxifen and Q10 May 2007
FHN Complementary Medicine Monthly Newsletter May 2007
Tamoxifen and CoQ10
An interesting study was just done in
The study involved 78 women with breast cancer (these are women who have already gone through primary cancer therapy) in 3 groups. Those who were untreated, those who were treated with Tamoxifen alone (10 mg/twice a day), and those who were treated with Tamoxifen (10 mg/twice a day) plus coenzyme Q10 (100 mg), riboflavin (10 mg) and niacin (50 mg), and 46 age- and sex- matched controls without breast cancer. (The dosage of niacin is certainly low enough as to not cause any liver concerns.)
Results found that compared to control subjects without breast cancer, all lipid and lipoprotein levels were significantly altered in untreated breast cancer patients. Compared to untreated breast cancer patients, levels of serum triglycerides and very-low-density cholesterol were significantly elevated and levels of HDL cholesterol were significantly reduced among patients with breast cancer treated with Tamoxifen alone. After 90 days of treatment with coenzyme Q10, riboflavin, and niacin, "all the lipid and lipoprotein abnormalities were reverted back to near normal levels!”
Certainly this is a small study, but with the low doses used it would certainly warrant the use of these nutrients with Tamoxifen therapy.
Sincerely
Drs. Glenn and Julie Smith
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