IM BLOG

Drinking water is important. But can it also give you cancer? It can if you are drinking from a water bottle coated with BPA. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a key building block of epoxy resins. These resins line the interior of many popular water bottle brands as a means of preventing corrosion and contamination. Unfortunately BPA is also highly toxic and can cause several reported health problems including birth defects in children and even possibly cancer. There are some brands that do not use the resin however. Klean Kanteen is one such company. Klean Kanteen makes all their water bottles out of stainless steal and does not coat them. If you are drinking water on a regular basis and use portable water bottles it is best to look for a company that makes their bottles out of 100% stainless steal and does not use any coating resins.

As the Winter Olympics begin later this week, a top American skiing prospect sits with cheese on her shin, hoping to heal a painful injury that threatens her dreams of winning Olympic gold. Although unconventional, alpine skier Lindsey Vonn has turned to Austrian topfen cheese to treat the shin injury that has made her a doubtful starter for the Winter Games. But is there any truth to the healing rumors surrounding cheese?

Although no real scientific evidence backs the claims, the use of cheese on injuries has a long standing history. Traditionally used in German-speaking parts of Europe (mainly the Alps), the cheese (called ‘Quark’ in Germany and ‘Topfen’ in Austria; resembling cottage cheese) is often used against sports injuries, arthritis and in general joint inflammation. Many doctors in the region still use the treatment and believe it has an anti-inflammatory effect. Because there is no side-effects of placing the cheese on problematic areas (do not place the cheese on open wounds), many believe the cheese is an excellent substitute for anti-inflammatory drugs that produce toxic effects.

We all know that soda isn’t the healthiest beverage option with its high sugar content, caffeine and artificial ingredients. Yet that usually doesn’t stop most of us from filling up a large cup from the soda fountain. But what if you knew that the fountain soda you were drinking contained fecal bateria?

A study published in the January issue of International Journal of Food Microbiology found that nearly half of the 90 beverages from soda fountain machines in one area in Virginia tested positive for coliform bacteria — which could indicate possible fecal contamination. Antibiotic-resistant microbes and E.coli were also found in some of the soda samples.

Researchers found that 48 percent of beverages obtained from soda fountains contained coliform bacteria, 11 percent contained E. coli (which are mostly harmless, but some can cause diarrhea, urinary tract infections, respiratory illness and pneumonia), and 17 percent had Chryseobacterium meningosepticum (which could sicken newborns or adults with weakened immune systems).

Although the reason for the bacteria with fountain sodas is unknown, researchers speculate that it may have to do with the fact fountains require hand contact with numerous people and poor cleaning methods.

“Some bacteria may potentially cause some disease or gastrointestinal distress. One thing we hesitate with is that people get afraid of bacteria. Many of them are benign or helpful, but certainly, I don’t want E.coli in my beverage.”

Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) has been highly touted in the European medical community for a number of years now, and it seems American medical professionals are now catching up to their European counterparts. The use of LLLT is on the rise in the US, and a recent study provides more reason for its use in the medical field.

A study published in the Lancet shows that the use of LLLT may reduce neck pain significantly. In the study, a 100 point scale was used to determine difference in pain experienced. The study found:

• For acute neck pain, evidence was limited to two trials with mixed results, showing that patients were around 70% more likely to experience reduced pain following LLLT compared with placebo.

• Five trials of chronic neck pain showed patients given LLLT were around four times more likely to have reduced pain compared with placebo.

• Patients in 11 trials reported reductions of chronic pain of around 20 points on the 100 point scale. Seven of these trials provided follow-up data for 1-22 weeks after completion of treatment, with short-term pain relief persisting in the medium term with a reduction of 22 points on the scale.

• Side-effects from LLLT were mild and not different from those of placebo.

The lead author, Dr. Roberta Chow, and the rest of the medical team involved with the study concluded that “[This study] shows that LLLT reduces pain immediately after treatment in acute neck pain and up to 22 weeks after completion of treatment in patients with chronic neck pain.”

This study comes at a significant time, where chronic pain is predicted to reach epidemic proportions in developed countries with aging populations in the next 30 years. This type of therapy also allows practitioners a form of treatment without the use of prescription pain killers, which are commonly abused, may form dependency, and commonly produce side-effects.

Its a new year, and by now a good 50% or so of New Year resolutions have gone down the drain. But if you happen to be in the 50% thats sticking to the resolution of losing weight or eating healthier, we’re here to help.

One of the most popular new foods that many health conscious people are talking about is Quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah). Commonly considered a grain, quinoa is actually a seed and a relative of leafy green vegetables like spinach. The seed when cooked has a slightly crunchy texture and a somewhat nutty flavor. Quinoa is commonly used in various recipes, and resembles couscous or rice.

Quinoa is rich in complete proteins (amino-acids), making it a viable substitute for vegans in search of a substitute for protein from meat. The seed is also very high in fiber, manganese and copper. Quinoa is beneficial for cardiovascular health, gallstone prevention, type 2 diabetes prevention, and overall wellbeing.

Quinoa is very simple to cook, and readily available at all health food stores.

Altruistic tendencies are often accompanied by self satisfaction and wellbeing. And many people believe that “its good to be good”. But is there actually any science behind giving and wellbeing? It seems there is.

One study looked at preteens who’d first been surveyed in the 1920s in Berkeley, California. Those who displayed generosity and a giving attitude grew up to have lower rates of heart disease and depression, said Post, a professor of preventive medicine and director of the Center for Medical Humanities, Compassionate Care, and Bioethics at Stony Brook University in New York.

In addition to this study, another by Harvard detected, through the use of MRI devices, increased levels of seratonin and dopamine (feel-good chemicals) in the brains of students who were asked to simply think about giving. This same study noticed strengthening of the immune system when the participants were shown a video about Mother Theresa.

Yet another study has shown that people who go through Alcoholics Anonymous and then help other alcoholics have a 40 percent rate of recovery, while those who don’t help other alcoholics recover at a rate of 22 percent.

These scientific findings confirm the power of giving, compassion and kindness. Not only does it feel good to give, its also good for you health. As Azim Jamal, a motivational speaker and co-author of the best-seller “The Power of Giving: How Giving Back Enriches Us All,” says, “The power of giving is instantaneous, continuous and eternal. When you die, you don’t take what you have. You take what you gave.”

What is the healthiest way to eat vegetables? – Timothy Stewart, Arland TX

First off, congratulations on eating your veggies. Too often do we overlook the importance of vegetables in a balanced diet.

The healthiest way to eat veggies is to eat them fresh. Fresh vegetables contain the most nutrients, vitamins and minerals. A great way to take in vegetables is to juice them. I highly recommend this as this is a fantastic way to take in fresh enzymes and nutrients. They make for a delicious drink with a massive amount of nutrients the body can easily absorb. Try buying fresh vegetable from your local grocery, and mixing different vegetables together for different juice recipes.

If someone is sensitive to cold, or prefers their vegetables warm or hot, they should be steamed, boiled and occasionally can be broiled, but should not ever be fried. If you prefer your veggies cold, you should take them in as a juice or a salad. Every main dish should contain vegetables.

The thing with frozen vegetables is that the value of these vegetables is greatly diminished. They have lost their nutrients, enzymes and minerals, not making them as effective a health food. The way they are prepared is also a factor. These vegetables are cleaned and skinned in specific ways which takes out the value of vegetables. The skin of most vegetables contains a high amount of vitamins and minerals. The vegetables also normally stay in refrigeration or frozen temperatures for a very long time. Depending on the method of preparation, refrigeration and transportation, a vegetable can lose up to 80-90% of its nutritional value. But if fresh vegetables are not available to you for any reason, you can substitute with frozen vegetables.

I do not recommend microwaving anything, including vegetables. Vegetables, like spinach, contain some good sources of protein. Normally, these vegetables have L-amino acids that are absorbable and can regenerate our body. Once these vegetables are microwaved, the amino acids are transformed into R-amino acids. These are not good for the body and can be seen as a toxin to the body. This then makes a vegetable counter active to our health. Microwaves can also cause a decrease in the bioavailability of certain vitamins (B-complex, C, E), essential minerals and lipotropics.

Always look for organic over genetically engineered or with use of pesticides. A true organic vegetable should satisfy 3 requirements. 1 – The seed of the plant should be organic. 2 – The water used for irrigation should be natural and organic. 3 – The soil should be organic. By organic, I mean no chemicals, insecticides or pesticides should be used.

It is extremely important we watch what we put in our body. We are already living in a very chemical world, with a lot of food being processed. In order to rebuild our body, it is very important to keep as many chemicals out of the body. It is necessary for us to protect ourselves and live a healthy lifestyle, and one way to do this is to eat plenty of natural and organic vegetables.

Posted byDr. Thomas K. Szulc, Medical Director

Ask Dr. Tom is a regular blog entry by Innovative Medicine’s Medical Director, Thomas K. Szulc, M.D. To submit a question to be answered by the doctor, please use our contact form.

Reservatrol, the healthy substance commonly associated in red wine, and touted as an anti-cancer nutrient, could be a safer alternative to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in postmenopausal women and could help prevent breast cancer.

According to a new study published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, reservatrol, a phytoestrogen, may be a viable alternative to hormone replacement therapy and prevention of breast cancer due to its estrogenic activity and high anti-tumor activity.

Every year more chemicals are created and released into products that many of us use on a daily basis. And while many of these chemicals are regulated and engineered to be safely handled, there are just too many chemicals with relatively little understanding of the long-standing effects on the human body out on the market today.

Case in point – a new study testing the urine samples of expectant mothers in the 28th week of pregnancy for evidence of phthalates or chemicals mimicking estrogen, the female sex hormone, discovered fetuses with greater exposure to high doses of such chemicals, less willing to join the ‘rough and tumble’ of boyish games, including playing with male toys, such as, cars. It is believed that these widely used plastic softeners may block production of male hormones and have a detrimental effect on the developing brain. Lead researched, Shanna H. Swan, states:

“…boys who are born to mothers with above-normal levels of the controversial chemicals are less likely to exhibit masculine behavior. Phthalates by blocking the activity of male hormones, such as, androgens, could be altering masculine brain development.”

Phthalates are commonly used in the production of food packaging, vinyl and plastic tubing, household products and many personal care products, such as, soaps and lotions. And while the FDA considers these chemicals as safe, they have banned the use of these chemicals in certain baby products.

Chemicals, while useful in today’s modern world, must be tested and held to higher regulations, especially when taking into consideration the fragile and developing bodies of babies and young children. One should limit exposure to such chemicals and the many others that have been linked to disrupting hormonal balance of the human body.

I know soft drinks aren’t good, but what should I drink besides water? – Margaret Servase, Hemlock, MI

Besides water, juice is a healthy beverage. Fruit juices are best to drink in the morning and afternoon, but rather not in the evening hours. Fruit juices stimulate the pancreas to work making it not as suitable for later hours of the day. Try to drink natural fruit juices (not from concentrate), or even better freshly squeezed juice.

Vegetable juices are one of the best alkalinizing drinks. The PH balance of our body is important, and since our body is made up of mostly alkalinized tissue, it is beneficial to help support and protect this tissue with alkalinizing fluids.

Milk preparations are very helpful to rebuild flora in our intestines. By milk preparations, I mean fermented milk drinks like Kefir. These cultured drinks are filled with friendly bacteria that can colonize the intestinal tract and help digestion and absorption.

Herbal teas are also beneficial. Different herbal teas work in different ways – everything from weight loss to detoxification.

Stay away from all soda drinks (especially diet sodas) and artificial drinks of any kind.

But of course, water is the most important fluid. Approximately 70% of our body is made of this fluid (this percentage increase / decreases depending on age). We don’t wash our hands with juice, milk or soda; we wash our hands in water. This also translates to inside of our bodies, as water helps cleanse our insides.

Posted by Dr. Thomas K. Szulc, Medical Director

Ask Dr. Tom is a regular blog entry by Innovative Medicine’s Medical Director, Thomas K. Szulc, M.D. To submit a question to be answered by the doctor, please use our contact form.