Healthy by Nature radio show this week: Nutrition educator and friend of the show, Tim Mount, CCN, joins us to talk about summer challenges to our connective tissue (which includes hair, skin, nails and joints). Then, Jay Cohen, MD discusses serious problems related to a class of antibiotics that includes Cipro which became famous in connection with anthrax scares. Dr. Cohen is the author of Prostate Cancer Breakthroughs: New Tests, New Treatments, Better Options. He also wrote What You Must Know about Statin Drugs & Their Natural Alternatives among others. Click here to find podcasts, show archives and how to listen nationwide.

Is there really a worm on that news hook?
I was disappointed (but sadly not surprised) that the NBC evening news chose to report on a study wherein even the authors said that no conclusions could be drawn. The researchers also could not even propose a logical mechanism which would explain their findings.

I’m always suspicious of study design errors and omissions when a study bucks a longstanding trend of positive results and comes up with negative findings. In this case the implication from the SELECT trial was that high levels of omega 3 fats might possibly have caused a worsening of prostate cancer risk and increased the aggressiveness of tumors. That flies in the face of previous studies that showed that omega-3’s are anti-carcinogenic. Even more shockingly, the study seemed to indicate that higher blood levels of Trans fats improved the situation! Really? The idea that Trans fats (usually from partially hydrogenated oils found in shortening and processed foods) cause inflammation and disease is one of the few things that alternative and conventional medicine agree upon. So it really makes no sense.

Also, news reports hinted that we should stop taking supplements. However, the study looked at blood levels—not whether the participants increased their levels by taking pills or eating fish. High quality fish oil supplements, e.g. from Nordic Naturals, are actually safer than eating fish. Seafood can be contaminated with various chemicals and mercury which, if accumulated over time, might increase the risk of cancer. I’d want to know the source of the omega’s (even if it was supplements) because those fats are delicate and can easily become rancid and unhealthful. That begs another question: were those with high omega-3 levels taking extra vitamin E to protect themselves from unstable fats?

All fats work better in the proper balance–even much maligned saturated fat has an important role. The study did not give information about that. So, it is conceivable that the men with the highest blood levels of omega-3 had eaten mainly fish and experienced problems because they had cut out most sources of saturated fat like red meat. Improved survival is the key outcome and that data were not given either.

By the way, this SELECT study is the same one that decided that selenium wasn’t helpful but did not use the same form of the mineral that had previously shown dramatic benefit (methylselenocysteine). ANYWAY…I am not going to stop taking my fish oil (and not just because I don’t have a prostate).

Where has the orange flavor gone?
Q. In regard to a comparison of oranges and orange juice in last week’s newsletter, Bryn asked: “…one of the most frustrating things is that the whole orange sometimes tastes like nothing…I often think if it lacks flavor then it must lack nutritional value.”

A. I agree and we could have the same conversation about tomatoes. Produce in general is hybridized, genetically engineered, grown on depleted soil, picked unripe, transported long distances, gassed, stored etc. with no attention anywhere along the food chain to either flavor or nutritional value. Organic farmers pay more attention to soil and that can result in more flavorful crops. When possible, purchasing from local farmers markets provides better choices. Some varieties of oranges are less bland—e.g. Valencia oranges tend to have more flavor than navel. I usually buy the little mandarin oranges or miniature tangerines. Their flavor is usually pretty good and they provide only a very small dose of sugar. I do purchase orange juice occasionally, but I make it into ice cubes so I can put 2 or 3 in a protein drink for flavor and avoid significant impact on blood sugar. (The fiber, protein and macadamia nut oil I use help with that too.)

What’s up? Burns and itches?
Me? I’m stuck at a computer. But what’s up for many of y’all will be swimming, boating, gardening and possibly the sunburn that can go with those. For fast relief, try this slick trick. Buy a small empty spray bottle (even at the dollar store) and fill it with Lily of the Desert organic preservative free aloe vera juice (not the thickened gel). Keep the filled spray bottle (and the product bottle) in the refrigerator. Then, when someone gets a sunburn, a spray of chilled aloe not only provides nearly instant relief of pain, it actually starts the healing process. Fido will also appreciate a spray on any hot spots he might want to scratch. Of course, keep a tube of highly potent Lily of the Desert 99% Aloe vera gelly with you at the beach or other travels. It does not require refrigeration.

Last Week
LINK to that show in the Archives. Psychiatrist, Hyla Cass, MD, discussed a natural approach to emotional and mental problems. Dr. Parris Kidd explained how the little powerhouses inside our cells (the mitochondria) work and how PQQ helps them. Finally, I asked The Dirt Doctor, Howard Garrett about natural ways to deal with fire ants.

Please help spread the good word-forward this newsletter to friends and family.
My first book : Natural Alternatives to Nexium, Maalox, Tagamet, Prilosec & Other Acid Blockers. Subtitle: What to Use to Relieve Acid Reflux, Heartburn, and Gastric Ailments.

My latest book: Aloe Vera-Modern Science Sheds Light on an Ancient Herbal Remedy

The information contained in this newsletter has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The contents are for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice.

Copyright 2013 Martie Whittekin, CCN