Vitamin D for Elderly Fall Prevention

Courtesy of Natural Standard

Vitamin D may help prevent falls in the elderly, according to a new analysis published in the British Medical Journal. The study supports earlier findings that vitamin D may improve balance, strength and bone health among older adults.


Vitamin D is found in many dietary sources, such as fish (such as salmon and tuna), fish liver oil and fortified foods (such as milk and cereal). The body also makes vitamin D when the skin is exposed to ultraviolet-B (UVB) rays from sunlight. Vitamin D helps the body maintain normal blood levels of phosphorus and aids in the absorption of calcium, which is important to develop and maintain strong bones. Recent evidence also suggests vitamin D may provide protection from osteoporosis, high blood pressure, cancer and several autoimmune diseases.

The researchers analyzed data from eight studies that tested the effects of vitamin D on fall prevention in 2,426 adults who were at least 65 years old.

The authors found that taking 700-1,000 IU of vitamin D2 or vitamin D3 for two to five months significantly reduced the risk of falls by 19 percent and 26 percent, respectively. The beneficial effects remained after adjusting for age, living environment and calcium supplementation.

However, the dose is higher than the current recommended amount. The recommended amount for people who are 50-70 years old is 400 IU, while 600 IU is recommended for those who are older than 70. Some researchers have questioned whether the current recommended adequate levels are sufficient to meet physiological needs, particularly for people who are no exposed to sunlight regularly. The Institute of Medicine, Food and Nutrition Board recommends an upper limit of 2,000 IU of vitamin D, as higher doses may have toxic effects.

Vitamin D may interact with other agents, particularly digoxin, corticosteroids, stimulant laxatives, thiazide diuretics and herbs or supplements with similar effects. .

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Americans Spend Billions on Alternative Medicine

In 2007, Americans spent nearly $34 billion out of pocket on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), according to the National Health Interview Survey, (NHIS). CAM includes many different types of healthcare practices and products that are not generally considered to be conventional or allopathic medicine.

The CAM component of this survey was developed by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS).

Of the 2,055 American adults surveyed, about 38 percent used some form of CAM over the previous 12 months. Although the amount of money spent on CAM accounted for only 1.5 percent of total healthcare expenditures, it represented 11.2 percent of total out-of-pocket healthcare expenditures. These estimates do not include vitamin and mineral supplements, which account for almost $5 billion in annual sales.

The greatest amount of money (about $22 billion), was spent on self-care therapies that do not require a healthcare practitioner, such as nonvitamin, nonmineral, natural products; homeopathic remedies and yoga. More than half of this money (about $14.8 billion) was spent on nonvitamin, nonmineral, natural products, which is almost one-third of the amount spent on prescription drugs.

Additionally, about $11.9 billion was spent on an estimated 354 million visits to CAM practitioners, such as chiropractors and acupuncturists. This is about equal to 25 percent of the total out-of-pocket expenses for conventional physician visits.

As CAM therapies continue to gain popularity in the United States, information about safety and effectiveness becomes increasingly important. Many people turn to herbs, supplements and modalities to help treat and prevent various medical conditions. However, “natural” does not always mean “safe.” Like conventional drugs, herbs and supplements may cause side effects and interact with other therapies. Natural Standard Research Collaboration rigorously reviews scientific data to provide objective information about the safety and effectiveness of therapies, thereby helping people make more informed and safer therapeutic decisions.


References:

1. Barnes PM, Bloom B, Nahin RL. Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use Among Adults and Children: United States, 2007. National health statistics reports; no 12. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. 2008.

2. Nahin, RL, Barnes PM, Stussman BJ, and Bloom B. Costs of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) and Frequency of Visits to CAM Practitioners: United States, 2007. National health statistics reports; no 18. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. 2009

3. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). nccam.nih.gov

4. National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). www.cdc.gov/nchs

5. Natural Standard: The Authority on Integrative Medicine. www.naturalstandard.com. Copyright © 2009.

6. Office of the Actuary, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, National Health Expenditure Data for 2007. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Dandelion - More Than a Weed

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale; T. mongolicum), perhaps the best-known "weed" in the world, was human food and medicine before the development of writing. First mentioned in writing in the Tang Materia Medica (659 B.C.E.), it is used both internally and externally in Chinese medicine for abscesses, eye inflammations, and as a diuretic. The English common name, from French dent-de-lion, and its names in many Indo-European languages refer to its serrated leaf margins ("lion's teeth"); however, the preferred common name in France is pissenlit ("piss in bed"), undoubtedly on account of its reputation as a diuretic. Its Latin name, derived from the Greek, means "disease remedy." European traditional medicine uses dandelion roots for liver function; its leaves and flowers as bitter digestive stimulants and diuretics. Despite its long history of use, dandelion remains little studied.

Among dandelion's important constituents are sesquiterpene lactones, believed to exert anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects; phenylpropanoids, believed to have inflammation-modulating effects; triterpenoid saponins that in other herbs are adaptogenic; polysaccharides, and inulin, a dietary fiber. While the leaf contains potassium, one would have to ingest an impractical amount of leaf tincture for this to be clinically relevant. Sesquiterpene lactones give a bitter taste to leaves and, especially if harvested in spring, to roots. Animal studies support traditional use as digestive bitters. Dandelion roots are demulcent and probiotic due to their inulin content, particularly if fall-harvested. Both root and leaf have hypoglycemic properties, but the mechanism of action is unclear. One report attributes the effect to stimulation of pancreatic beta-cell insulin release; this could contribute to insulin resistance and beta-cell burnout in diabetics. Human trials are needed to determine if dandelion is helpful or harmful in diabetes. Dandelion contains numerous polysaccharides, and studies on its immune system effects are contradictory. This may indicate immunomodulation. Polysaccharides are key intermediaries in immune interactions. Alternatively, dandelion may have different effects on different lymphocytes or body tissues. Other preclinical studies have found that various dandelion parts have anti-cancer effects; upregulate estrogen, progesterone, and follicle-stimulating hormone receptors; and that some effects are due to its compounds acting synergistically.

While there are few Western clinical studies evaluating dandelion's traditional uses, a preliminary trial evaluating its use as a diuretic is expected shortly. It is approved for this use by the German Commission E, and for anorexia, dyspepsia, and biliary abnormalities. As a hormone detoxifier, an herbal formula containing dandelion and several other herbs, compared with healthy diet and a placebo in 40 premenopausal women, reduced early follicular-phase androgens without affecting other sex steroid hormones; implications are difficult to assess. For indigestion or other atonic gastrointestinal (GI) issues, a case series of 24 patients with chronic colitis who used a formula of dandelion and other herbs, reported "remarkable improvement" in pain reduction and stool normalization.

Chinese studies have reported effects of several formulas containing T. mongolicum and other herbs; however, full-text translations are unavailable. Fu zheng qu xie was as effective as gentamycin in 75 cases of gastric disease caused by Helicobacter pylori. Jie du yang gan gao was significantly more effective than another herbal formula in lowering elevated liver enzymes in hepatitis B patients in a 96 person double-blind trial (patients were considered cured if serum hepatitis B virus-DNA became negative; this result was reported for 32% of patients taking the dandelion formula compared to 18% of the other group). Xiao wei yan effectively reversed intestinal metaplasia in 120 patients compared to 120 untreated controls.

Dose recommendations are given. Fresh dandelion root or leaf may be eaten as food at up to 50 g or more/d. Extracts are "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS) for supplements and foods. Allergy to dandelion, while rare, may occur, particularly in patients sensitized to other members of the Asteraceae plant family. Herbicides are widely used against dandelions in lawns, and they should not be harvested in urban areas unless it can be determined that they have not been sprayed with poisons. No negative effects have been reported in pregnancy or lactation, in children, or when used with pharmaceutical drugs. Because it is a bitter, dandelion should be used cautiously in persons with acute GI problems or nonatonic reflux esophagitis may be aggravated by bitters.

Prolifically naturalized around the world, dandelion is in no danger of overharvesting, nor environmentally threatened in any way. Further research on its benefits is clearly warranted.
—Mariann Garner-Wizard

Reprinted with the permission of the American Botanical Council, http://herbalgram.org

Essential Oils 101

Used for centuries by holistic practitioners around the world, essential oils are going mainstream as more people seek a natural lifestyle. Here are the basics on essential oils.

What are essential oils?
Essential oils are extremely fragrant oils that have been extracted from blossoms, seeds, bark, leaves, flowers or roots. The oils capture the “essence” of the specific plant, hence the name, and are highly concentrated, so a few drops go a long way.

What are the benefits of essential oils?
Besides an enjoyable aroma, essential oils have a physical effect on you and can...

• Relax and calm frazzled nerves – Lavender, Hyssop, Vanilla
• Energize your mind and body – Clove, Rosemary
• Lift mood – Basil, Lemongrass
• Ease stress and anxiety – Lavender, Rose Geranium, Jasmine
• Refresh – Lemon, Orange, Orange Blossom
• Stimulate digestion - Peppermint
• Enhance concentration – Lemon, Peppermint
• Clear respiratory – Eucalyptus, Pine Needle, Cedarwood
• Encourage romance – Patchouli, Orange
• Cleanse and moisturize skin – Tea Tree, Emu

How do essential oils work?
Essential oils are typically used in a massage and combined with a carrier oil like Jojoba, Sweet Almond or Grapeseed Oil. The health benefits are absorbed through the skin and/or inhaled through the olfactory nerves.

Where are essential oils used?
Some essential oils can be used externally only in a massage or bath, while others can also be used as an herbal remedy, internally, for example, to clear digestion or respiratory concerns. Some, like Rosemary or Thyme, can also be used to cook with.

Are they safe? Essential oils are safe to use. As with anything, common sense is the rule. If using in a bath or massage, it’s always a good idea to test your skin for sensitivity. Dilute with water or a carrier oil, dab a small amount on your wrist, wait a day and see if redness develops. The vast majority of people have no reaction whatsoever.

How long will they last?
With a tight cap and stored in a dark, cool spot, essential oils can last for years. Look for essential oils sold in amber colored glass as light can decrease the effectiveness of the oil.

How can essential oils be used?

• Room spray
• Bath tub
• Massage oil
• Custom potpourri
• Foot bath
• Candles
• Creams, lotions
• Ceramic lightbulb ring
• In a vaporizer
• In the laundry
• Compress

To view more information and to purchase individual essential and floral oils, visit Botanic Choice.com.

Protect Your Immune System Now

By Dr. Gary Gendron, B.S., D.C., C.C.S.P., C.C.N., D.A.C.B.N.

How can you protect yourself from H1N1 virus and other flu bugs now and all year long. There are basic precautions that I recommend to all my patients that reflect common sense and good hygiene:

Wash your hand - thoroughly. Use hot water and lots of soap, and wash hands for at least 30 seconds - about as long as it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" two times. Frequent hand-washing is still your best defense. And don't forget to "save your work" by using a paper towel to shut off the faucet and open the bathroom door on your way out.

Turn away. Turn your head away from others and cough into your sleeve, elbow or tissue. Be sure to dispose of your tissue and wash your hands immediately to avoid spreading germs.

Wipe down work areas with antibacterial towelettes or spray. At work, be sure to frequently clean your phone and desk. Regularly wipe often-touched items such as your keyboard, mouse, pens, and desktop. Invest in a new mousepad and desk blotter occasionally to keep germs away.

At home, wipe down kitchen appliances and countertops, door handles and light switches. In the bathroom, clean the countertop, toilet handle and doorknobs regularly. Close the toilet lid when flushing to avoid spray.

Stop touching your face. Try to keep your hands away from your mouth, nose and eyes - these are the three prime spots where germs enter. One study even found that people touch their faces and average of fifteen times an hour.

Take a sick day when you're sick. If you're feeling under the weather, especially if you are running a fever or have a bad cough, don't go to work or to public gatherings.

Avoid someone else who is sick. If you must work with or tend to someone who is sick, wear a facial mask and wash your hands frequently after contact with them.

Boost your own immune system. The best thing to do for a healthy immune system is to get a full night's sleep and eat a balanced diet. You can also supplement with traditional remedies like Vitamin C, Echinacea and Goldenseal.

I also recommend a unique formula from Botanic Choice called Ojibwa Herbal Extract. It contains four hard-to-find, time-tested immune boosters that make for one powerful herbal remedy. The formula includes Turkey Rhubarb, Sheep Sorrel, Burdock Root and Slippery Elm Bark.

Turkey Rhubarb Extract has been used for centuries for digestive or urinary concerns, Turkey Rhubarb exerts a cleansing action on the gut, helping to expel debris and waste bile.

Burdock Root Extract is one of the finest blood purifiers in the herbal system, Burdock Root is used in many traditional remedies for its soothing ability.

Sheep Sorrel Extract comes from the buckwheat family, Sheep Sorrel is high in Vitamins A, B-complex, C, D, E and K; plus vital minerals. It also has high antioxidant content to fight free radicals and boost the immune system.

Slippery Elm Bark Extract is a well-respected herb is known for providing respiratory and digestive support. Slippery Elm Bark enables toxic matter to more easily move out of your body. Super high quality.

It's important to bolster your immune system and stay strong all year long.

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