Bone strength compromised by oral contraceptives

July 12th, 2001

We have all heard that weight-bearing exercise helps build stronger bones. A new study published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise (2001;33:873-880) confirms this but also reveals that oral contraceptives may hinder this benefit. The study monitored bone density in young women aged 18 to 31 who engaged in regular resistance exercise and weight training over a period of two years. Bone strength increased in all but those who were taking oral contraceptives.

Tags: Bone Issues
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Two interesting studies on children’s health from Finland

July 12th, 2001

The first of these studies was published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ 2001;322:1-5). It followed 594 children who attended different day care centers in Helsinki over a period of seven months. The children were divided in two groups, one receiving plain milk, and the other milk with Lactobacillus GG (LGG) in it. Lactobacillus is a dietary supplement consisting of bacteria that is beneficial for the intestinal tract and the immune system. LGG is a special strain of this bacteria found in a product called Culturelle.

The group receiving LGG in their milk had significantly fewer days away from day care due to illness and they were free from respiratory tract symptoms for longer periods of time. More complicated infections, such as sinus or ear infections, bronchitis and pneumonia were also reduced in the group receiving LGG.

The second study (Allergy, 2001;56:425-8) found that children who consumed higher amounts of margarine were more likely to develop allergic diseases, including eczema, asthma and hay fever. Children who remained free of these diseases typically consumed more butter than margarine. Here’s one more good reason to avoid margarine!

Tags: Allergies & Asthma, Eczema, Food Allergies, Skin Conditions
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Crohn’s disease, food allergies and dietary supplements

July 9th, 2001

Crohn’s disease is a serious condition that can cause a wide range of symptoms, including severe cramping pain, diarrhea and irreversible damage to the intestinal tract. Various studies have focused on the links between this disease and diet. One study (Am J Clin Nutr, 1996;63:741-745) revealed that 69% of patients with Crohn’s disease were allergic to wheat products and 48% to dairy. Another study (Aliment Pharmacol Ther, 1997;11(4):735-740) showed that eliminating foods to which Crohn’s patients were allergic was at least as effective as steroids in producing remission. Other studies have shown that certain dietary supplements, including vitamin A (Lancet, April 5, 1980:766) and S.boulardii (Gastroenterol, 1993;31(2):129-134), can help in reducing diarrhea and healing the intestinal lining.

Many of the people who suffer from this crippling disease, or the side effects of steroid treatments, probably wish they had been told that medical research supports dietary change as a viable treatment option.

Tags: Crohn's Disease, Food Allergies
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Exercise helps liver detoxification

July 3rd, 2001

A study (Med Sci Sports Exercise 2000;32(12):2024-2028) looked at the effects of halothane anesthesia, which is known to be toxic to the liver and can cause liver damage.

Experimental animals who were exercised regularly were better able to detoxify the chemical compound and had a reduced incidence of liver damage. Today’s toxic environment

taxes our livers like never before in the history of the human race. Chemicals enter our bodies through air, water and food and end up in our liver, which has the job of breaking them down. Regular moderate exercise can help rid our bodies of environmental toxins and preserve our health.

Tags: Chemicals & Environmental Issues
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