Evan Watson, NatureCity author & contributor

Gastric bypass surgery is an increasingly common treatment for obesity. One of the complications of the surgery can be an alteration in gastrointestinal flora which can lead to bacterial overgrowth.

People suffering from bacterial overgrowth suffer from abdominal pain, bloating, increased flatulence and diarrhea.

A new study published in the July, 2009 issue of the Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery has found that probiotic supplementation following gastric bypass surgery may prevent bacterial overgrowth.

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine recruited 44 obese participants who underwent gastric bypass surgery at the same facility between 2006 and 2007. All participants were enrolled in the trial during their initial consultation at the clinic.

Participants received the same medical care following the surgery, but were assigned to either a probiotic or control group.

The probiotic group was given one probiotic supplement daily. Both groups were allowed to eat yogurt if they desired.

All participants were assessed at 2 weeks, 6 weeks and 3 months postoperatively.

The probiotic group had higher levels of bacterial overgrowth prior to surgery, but lower levels than the control group 6 months after surgery.

In addition, the probiotic group averaged a 47.6% weight loss, compared to a 38.5% weight loss for the control group.

The probiotic group also had a 50% higher level of vitamin B-12 levels than the control group. Vitamin B-12 levels tend to be deficient in patients following gastric bypass surgery.

The researchers plan more extensive studies to determine the mechanism behind probiotic supplementation and increased weight loss.
Probiotics help maintain a healthy, natural balance of organisms in the intestines, which aids in food digestion. They have also been shown to boost the immune system.

Consuming more yogurt and cultured milk can help boost bacteria levels in your body. A quality probiotic supplement can also be incorporated into your diet.

The best probiotic supplements contain several different bacterial strains (different strains have different benefits) and several billion bacteria cells. The product you choose should be packaged to block light, air, and moisture, which can easily kill probiotics.

Evan Watson, NatureCity author & contributor

Regular consumption of multivitamins may considerably reduce the risk of dying from heart disease, according to a new study published in the July 2009 issue of The American Journal of Epidemiology.

For the study, nearly 80,000 Washington State residents completed a mailed self-administered questionnaire in 2000/2002.

Researchers from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center at the University of Washington analyzed the data obtained from the survey. They found that people who took multivitamins 6-7 days per week for an average of 10 years had a 16% reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease.

They also found that taking supplements of vitamin E reduced the risk of death from cardiovascular disease by 28%.

However, multivitamin use did not seem to decrease the risk of death from cancer or decrease total mortality.

This study supports other recent studies that are finding many health benefits associated with taking multivitamins.

One such study, published in June, 2009 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that the cells of people who take multivitamins regularly actually have a younger biological age.

This study refutes a controversial meta-analysis published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2007 that reported that supplements of vitamins A, E and beta-carotene may increase mortality risk by up to 16%.

As the science backing multivitamins keeps building, more consumers are becoming convinced. Currently 1 out of every 2 Americans take multivitamins on a regular basis.

Multivitamins have been shown to boost overall mental and physical health but they are by no means an alternative to a healthy diet and exercise.

It is also important to note that not all multi-vitamins are created equal you should do some research before choosing the multivitamin that best suits your needs. You can get a free copy of the 2009 Multivitamin Guide at www.multivitaminguide.org .

Sarah McGowan-Freije, NatureCity author & contributor

Many people feel uncomfortable questioning the expertise of their doctor, particularly if they have been going to them for a long time. However, seeking a second or third opinion on your diagnosis is not only acceptable; many times it is a necessity.

Doctors differ in the training they have received, their specialty and where they practice. Major studies have discovered that doctors provide the best available, evidenced-backed care only half the time.

A 10 year project conducted by Dartmouth University found that significant differences in treatment exist between different regions of the country.

Additionally, a Johns Hopkins study looked at 6000 cancer patients who had sought a second opinion after a tumor biopsy. The study found that 2 out of every 100 patients had received a wrong diagnosis.

Looking for a second, or even third or fourth opinion is not just about avoiding a wrong diagnosis. It is also important in that it helps you decide on a course of treatment that best fits your lifestyle and preferences.

When you have a large, life altering decision to make, it is important to gain the most knowledge possible about the procedure. The single best way to do that is by consulting with various experts.

Doing a little research on your own before meeting with your doctor can help you gain confidence and ask good relevant questions. Be careful of over researching every little ailment however. With so much medical information readily available on the internet it is easy to get paranoid about the smallest aches and pains.

Simply gain enough basic knowledge to ask the right questions and then you can judge various doctors opinions against one another. One of the most important things you can do to ensure you find the treatment that is best for you is to not be afraid to ask your doctor for a recommendation to another specialist.

It may seem a little awkward but make it clear to the doctor that you are not questioning their expertise, but you simply want to seek additional information about the diagnosis and get the most information possible before moving forward.

In short, doctors are humans too and therefore capable of making mistakes. Getting additional medical opinions is the best way to ensure that you are not the victim of human error.

Evan Watson, NatureCity author & contributor

A study published in the June 2009 issue of the journal International Immunopharmacology may have uncovered the mechanisms behind the pain reducing and anti-inflammatory properties of Pycnogenol.

Pycnogenol is an extract made from the bark of the French maritime pine. It is packed with beneficial bioflavonoids (which are also found in fruits and vegetables) and has been associated with a number of health benefits.

These benefits range from anti-inflammatory properties to reduced risk of heart disease but up until now the mechanisms behind these perceived benefits have been hazy at best.

To fill this knowledge gap, researchers from the National Research Institute on Food and Nutrition in Rome, Italy recruited six healthy volunteers aged between 35 and 50.

The volunteers took 150 milligrams of Pycnogenol for five days and blood samples were taken before and after the supplemental period.

The researchers then analyzed the blood samples and found that Pycnogenol blocked the cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) enzymes, two of the main mediators of inflammation.

These findings show that the mechanism behind Pycnogenol’s anti-inflammatory benefits is much different than that of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin.

NSAIDs reduce the production of prostaglandins, which are chemical messengers that induce inflammation and are produced by the COX-2 enzyme. Pycnogenol, on the other hand, appears to go straight to the root of the problem and completely stops the production of COX-2.

These findings may help support claims made by supplement makers, particularly with regard to joint health. The researchers see promise for a supplement that combines Pycnogenol with joint health supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin. Such a supplement could lessen inflammation while simultaneously rebuilding joint cartilage.

Taking a Pycnogenol supplement may help to reduce inflammation and your risk of developing inflammatory diseases, such as osteoporosis and arthritis. It is also a good idea to eat less pro-inflammatory foods (fried foods, soft drinks, saturated fats), and more anti-inflammatory foods (raw nuts, dark green vegetables, omega-3 rich fish).

Evan Watson, NatureCity author & contributor

New findings show that the omega-3 essential fatty acids EPA and DHA may play an important role in weight management.

The study was published in the April 2009 issue of the British Journal of Nutrition and was conducted by researchers at the University of Newcastle, Australia.

The study included 124 people of varying weights.

Participants were classified as healthy weight, overweight or obese based on their body mass index. The breakdown of each group was:

1. Healthy weight – 21 participants (17%)

2. Overweight – 40 participants (32%)

3. Obese – 63 participants (51%)

In order to measure omega-3 weight loss potential accurately and avoid skewed results, the researchers excluded any participants already taking omega-3 supplements.

The participants fasted for at least 10 hours, and then blood samples were taken.

The researchers found that participants with higher omega-3 essential fatty acid levels tended to have healthier BMIs, a smaller waist, and a lower hip size.

Overall, they found that obese people had omega-3 levels of 4.53%, compared to 5.25% in their healthy-weight peers.

These findings support a number of previous studies which have examined the link between omega-3 consumption and weight management.

The specific mechanisms behind omega-3 weight loss benefits are still unclear but a number of previous studies highlight a few possibilities.

One study found that omega-3 essential fatty acids may boost feelings of fullness. A separate animal study found that omega-3s may increase the production of heat by burning energy (increasing the metabolic rate).

Although the science behind omega-3 weight loss benefits is still being examined, it has already been shown that these essential fatty acids can help manage blood pressure, lower the risk of cardiac death and decrease the risk of dementia.

The average American diet does not contain enough omega-3 essential fatty acids, which are found most abundantly in fatty fish like mackerel and salmon. This makes it a good idea to consider taking an omega-3 supplement high in the fatty acids EPA and DHA.

It is important to make sure you are taking a high quality supplement certified for purity because some fish oils can contain harmful contaminants like lead and mercury.

Evan Watson, NatureCity author & contributor

Aloe vera is best known for healing sunburns, minor cuts and skin irritation and has also been associated with a laundry list of other health benefits. New research shows that the benefits of Aloe vera may now be extended to oral health as well.

The new study was published in the May/June Issue of General Dentistry, and found that Aloe vera may help prevent cavities and kill disease causing bacteria in the mouth.

The researchers also found that the anti-inflammatory properties of Aloe vera can help keep gums healthy.

The study compared the germ-fighting capability of an aloe vera tooth gel to two well known toothpaste brands. The research showed the aloe vera tooth gel to be as effective as the commercial brands at containing cavity-causing bacteria.

This study comes on the heels of another study that found that Aloe vera can help with other oral health woes such as canker sores, cold sores and herpes.

The lead author of the study, Dr Dilip George, suggests that consumers research aloe products to find the ones produced in a manner that best maintains the plant’s nutrients. This is because overheating at any step in the process can reduce or outright destroy the positive compounds in Aloe vera.

In terms of oral health, consumers with sensitive teeth and gums can benefit the most from Aloe vera because it does not contain the abrasive elements found in most toothpaste brands.

It is becoming more and more apparent that the anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-viral actions of Aloe vera give the plant many more health properties than simply healing cuts and burns. Aloe vera has been linked to a number of health benefits, including but not limited to pain relief from hemorrhoid surgery, helping with kidney stones, managing diabetes, reducing the risk of cancer and helping with dry skin.

Evan Watson, NatureCity author & contributor

A recent analysis of three separate studies that included over 40,000 participants found that high levels of a type of blood fat called lipoprotein(a) (LPA) may seriously increase the risk of heart attack.

The study was published in the June, 2009 edition of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

LPA is a lipoprotein subclass which is made up of a molecule of LDL (bad) cholesterol attached to a number of units of protein. High LPA levels are linked to genetic makeup and are only slightly affected by diet and exercise.

Danish researchers at Copenhagen University have been studying the link between LPA and heart disease since 1976. The recent report was the culmination of their research and it included studies with follow up periods of up to 16 years.

The researchers found that people with the highest LPA levels (top 10th percentile) have a two to threefold increased risk of heart attack.

They also note that further studies are needed to determine if drugs meant to lower LPA are in fact an effective means of lowering the risk of heart attack.

In addition, all of the participants in the recent report were white so further studies will need to include a more diverse population in order to determine the effect of high LPA levels in ethnic populations.

The researchers hope that these findings will encourage the development of effective LPA lowering medications.

New drugs aimed at lowering LPA cholesterol may help people who develop heart attacks despite statin treatments. While statin drugs target other forms of bad cholesterol they have no effect on LPA cholesterol. Niacin, also known as nicotinic acid or vitamin B3, is believed to reduce LPA levels.

Evan Watson, NatureCity author & contributor

Results of a survey appearing in the July 2009 edition of the Nutrition Journal show that a majority of doctors and nurses take vitamin, mineral and other dietary supplements and recommend them to their patients as well.

900 physicians, 83% of whom were male, and 277 nurses, 94% of whom were female, took the online survey in October of 2007. The survey was administered on behalf of the Council for Responsible Nutrition, a Washington, D.C. based trade association representing the dietary supplement industry.

The researchers, with Dickinson Consulting, LLC in St. Paul, Minnesota, found that 72% of the doctors and 89% of the nurses surveyed use some sort of dietary supplement regularly, occasionally, or seasonally. They also found that 79% of the physicians and 82% of the nurses recommend dietary supplements to their patients.

Improved general health and wellness was stated as the most common reason for taking the supplements.

The supplements that they took ranged from cardiovascular and cognitive health supplements such as fish oil, to joint and general health supplements like glucosamine, flax seed, chondroitin, and Echinacea. 27% of the doctors surveyed and 32% of the nurses reported using only multivitamins.

Despite such widespread use, most of the doctors and nurses surveyed admitted to having no formal education or training about the use of dietary supplements.

These results highlight that education about dietary supplements needs to become more readily available. In fact, 75% of the doctors and 79% of the nurses expressed interest in improved education on these products.

Evan Watson, NatureCity author & contributor

Researchers have found that replacing salt with naturally brewed soy sauce can reduce the salt content (and therefore sodium content) of certain foods without affecting taste.

The researchers, led by Stefanie Kremer from Wageningen Universities Centre for Innovative Consumer Studies in the United Kingdom, published the results of their study in the July 2009 issue of the Journal of Food Science.

For the study, researchers formulated salad dressing, soup, and stir-fried pork with increasing levels of soy sauce and decreasing levels of salt.

Participants then tested 5 samples of each food with differing salt-to-soy sauce ratios.

The researchers found that they could reduce the salt without affecting taste by 50% in salad dressing, 17% in soup and 29% in stir-fried pork.

Salt is a vital nutrient. However, according to the World Health Organization, you shouldn’t consume more than 5 grams of salt daily. It is estimated that the average salt consumption in the Western world is approximately double that recommendation. Conservative estimates range between 10 and 12 grams daily.

Diets high in salt are a major cause of heart disease and stroke. The Center for Science in the Public Interest released a report in 2008 which highlighted the fact that high-salt diets cause an estimated 150,000 premature deaths each year in America.

Nonetheless, people are still consuming more and more salt, mostly due to the amount of salt in packaged foods.

The best way to avoid the serious health risks associated with consuming too much salt is by carefully reading the nutritional facts panels on food items. It is best to stay away from items that contain more than 180 milligrams of sodium.

Watching the amount of salt you add to your food is also helpful, however, your salt shaker is really only responsible for about 25% of the salt you consume daily.

Some common foods high in salt to watch out for include chili, TV dinners, pizza, hot dogs, and ham. Food manufacturers have been recognizing the need for healthy alternatives, and you can now find many of these items in a reduced or even salt/ sodium free form.

If you decide to substitute soy sauce for salt when cooking at home, be sure to choose a low sodium variety of soy sauce.

Scott Greenberg, NatureCity author & contributor

Two new studies claim that daily supplements of the omega-3 essential fatty acid DHA may improve memory and heart health among healthy older adults, but not among those already suffering from Alzheimer’s.

The studies, funded by Martek Bioservices, were presented at The Alzheimer’s Association’s 2009 International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease (ICAD 2009).  The Conference took place in Vienna the week of July 11-16th.

The Alzheimer’s study included 402 participants with an average age of 76 and “probable” Alzheimer’s diagnosis, based on a mental state exam score.  The participants also had dietary DHA intakes of no greater than 200 mg per day at the beginning of the study.

The participants were given a supplement containing 2 grams of DHA (equivalent to 2 daily servings of oily fish) or a placebo every day for 18 months.

Although blood levels of DHA did increase among the participants, the researchers observed no significant cognitive benefit among the studied population.

The second study, called The Memory Improvement with DHA Study (MIDAS), included 485 healthy older people with an average age of 70.  None of the participants were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at the beginning of the study but all of them had a “mild memory complaint.”

The participants were given a 900 mg dose of DHA (equivalent to 1 daily serving of oily fish) or a placebo for 6 months.

By the end of the study, the plasma DHA levels of the participants given the supplement doubled and they also saw a significant decrease in heart rate.

More importantly, those who were given the supplement had almost double the reduction in errors on a test that measures learning and memory performance than those who received the placebo.

According to the researchers, the benefits gained by those who took the supplement are equivalent to having the learning and memory skills of someone three years younger.

These findings are an important step in determining the specific cognitive benefits of omega-3 fatty acids.  Omega-3 essential fatty acids have already been shown to provide a large range of other health benefits, particularly with regard to cardiovascular health.

A significant amount of scientific evidence is beginning to amass regarding the cognitive benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, which are found naturally in oily fish and can also be taken as a supplement.

Salmon, mackerel, lake trout and albacore tuna all have very high omega-3 essential fatty acid levels.  If you opt for a supplement, be sure that it is a quality supplement high in DHA and EPA and certified for purity.