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Completely updated January 4, 2004
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The entire DrWeil.com Team wishes you a safe, healthy and wonderful New Year!
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Ginger for Morning Sickness
Taking ginger to relieve the symptoms of morning symptoms seems safe for the baby, but all forms of ginger may not be perfect remedies for the queasiness that so often affects pregnant women during their first trimester.
Results of a study published in the November, 2003 issue of the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology showed that using ginger (in any form) for morning sickness doesn't raise the risk of birth defects. Of the 187 women participating in the study and a comparison group of women who didn't take ginger, the rates of birth defects were statistically the same.
Though ginger may not raise the risk of birth defects, all forms of it may not be efficacious for treating morning sickness. Approximately half of the women in the study who used ginger to relieve morning sickness - in tea form, as candies and in capsules - said it didn't help relieve those symptoms. Women who did report getting some relief tended to be those who took ginger in capsule form, while earlier studies indicate that ginger in syrup form is also effective.
Choosing a Candle
Candles can add a warm, soothing touch to the home or office, creating an inviting and comforting atmosphere. However, some candles - namely scented candles - may not be the best choice, especially when burned indoors. Some researchers note that scented candles tend to create more soot than unscented candles - and over time this soot can accumulate in lungs and cause respiratory problems. Scented candles may also contribute to indoor pollution. Instead of scented varieties, use candles made of unscented beeswax, which are just as beautiful and cozy as the scented varieties.
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My ten-year-old niece recently broke her arm, and the doctor said he had been seeing a lot of fractures among girls her age than he used to. Is there a trend? If so, do you know why?
-- Michelle |
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Results of a recent study at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN suggest that the rate of wrist and forearm fractures among young girls has increased dramatically in the last 30 years. The study results, published in the September 17, 2003 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, showed that the fracture rate for young girls increased 56 percent between 1969-1971 and 1999-2001. Boys still suffer more fractures, but the rate of increase among young boys was only 32 percent. Overall, the Mayo Clinic researchers found that the fracture rate among young people had increased 42 percent over three decades.
The researchers had no answers for why this is happening. It is unlikely that youngsters are breaking bones because theyve become more physically active. One possibility is that kids may not be getting enough calcium during a period when their bones are growing rapidly. If so, their bones may never become as dense as they should, which raises the possibility that affected youngsters may be more vulnerable later in life to osteoporosis and hip and vertebral fractures.
The researchers noted that government surveys have shown a decrease in milk consumption among older girls and an increase in consumption of carbonated drinks. The phosphates in carbonated beverages interfere with calcium absorption. The RDA for calcium is 1,300 mg for young people age nine to 18. This translates to 4-5 servings of dairy per day, but kids dont have to drink milk to get their calcium. Other good sources include yogurt, cheese, sea vegetables, collard and mustard greens, kale, bok choy, broccoli, canned salmon and sardines, tofu that has been coagulated with a calcium compound, calcium fortified soy milk, fruit juice, and blackstrap molasses.
Other experts have noted instances of vitamin D deficiency that could contribute to weakened bones. Our bodies make vitamin D with exposure to sunlight, and youngsters who spend too much time indoors may not produce optimal amounts of vitamin D. Spending 10 minutes in the sun without sunscreen a few days each week will do the trick, but it is not a bad idea for kids 12 and older to take a multivitamin supplement that includes 400 IU of vitamin D.
Andrew Weil, M.D.
For Women: Knowing the Symptoms of Heart Disease
Women tend to experience symptoms that are less severe than men when it comes to heart disease. Since heart disease has become the number one killer of women, knowing the warning signs may help prevent further damage. Common symptoms include nausea, fatigue, shortness of breath, and pain in the jaw, shoulder or back. If you or a loved one experiences these symptoms, don't discount them as indigestion or stress - be on the safe side and seek medical attention.
Low Levels of Vitamin B12 May Worsen Depression
Do you need vitamin B12 supplements to battle depression? Maybe so, suggests a new study from Finland, although it is too soon to be sure.
Results of a study published in the Nov. 27, 2003, online issue of the journal BMC Psychiatry showed that depressed patients with higher levels of B12 seem to benefit more from treatment with antidepressants than patients with lower levels of this vitamin.
The researchers aren't sure how B12 helps, but suggested that the vitamin may be needed to form monoamines, substances found in the central nervous system that are implicated in mood disorders, including depression. Since some antidepressants target and enhance monoamine activity, higher levels of B12 might boost the efficacy of the drugs by promoting the synthesis of monoamines. The researchers also suggested that a B12 deficiency may actually promote accumulation of homocysteine, a protein that might deepen depression.
Though the results don't indicate that depressed patients need B12, the researchers say additional studies are necessary to evaluate the effect of vitamins on antidepressant therapies.
The Flu Part I - Prevention Tips
With flu season in full swing in some parts of the world, preventing the flu is your best defense against the fever, chills and cough that the flu delivers. Try the following:
- Wash your hands, especially if you've been out in public places, with hot water and soap. It may even be a good idea to carry alcohol towlettes with you.
- Get a flu shot. This is especially important for those over 65 years old, as well as anyone with a weakened immune or respiratory system, nursing home residents, and health care workers who have regular contact with patients. Pregnant women whose last two trimesters fall during flu season (generally November to April) might consider getting the shot as well.
- Take astragalus. This immune-enhacing herb can help to build up resistance to both the flu and the common cold.
- Take a mushroom extract. Host Defense is a good choice, as it provides the extract of seven proven immune-boosting mushrooms.
- Take a daily multivitamin and antioxidants. Berries, tea and dark chocolate all provide natural antioxidants, and Dr. Weil's Vitamin Advisor offers a daily multivitamin and antioxidant formula.
- Keep up on fluids. Staying hydrated keeps nasal passages moist, making them better defenders against viruses.
The Flu Part II - What To Do If
You Get The Flu
Yesterday's Daily Tip discussed ways to prevent the flu; today covers some ways to lessen the effects of the flu. If you have been diagnosed or have symptoms of the flu (sudden fever, chills, aches and pains) do the following:
- Go to (or call) your physician. He or she can prescribe medication. It is important to start taking this within the first 48 hours of symptoms - its effectiveness declines as the illness builds.
- Try elderberry extract. This can help to lessen the symptoms and speed up recovery.
- Eat garlic. Raw garlic is best - try at least two cloves per day, chopped up in a sandwich or in soup.
- Get rest. Lack of sleep and too much stress can make the body weak - if you get the flu, rest as much as possible while your symptoms are resolving.
- Drink fluids. Staying hydrated helps to eliminate toxins and metabolic wastes out of your body.
Breakfast Cereal May Keep Kids Slim
Want to make sure your kids stay slim and trim? Give them cereal for breakfast.
Results of a study published in the Dec. 3, 2003, issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association showed that youngsters between the ages of 4 and 12 who ate eight or more servings of cereal for breakfast over two weeks were significantly thinner than kids who ate three servings or less of breakfast cereal. And it didn't matter whether the cereal was whole-grain, presweetened or contained added fat: almost 80 percent of the kids who ate the most cereal had an appropriate weight for their age and gender.
In addition, the study showed that the kids who ate the most cereal also had more vitamins A and B6, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, calcium, iron and zinc compared with kids who ate little or no cereal.
The study was sponsored by the Bell Institute of Health and Nutrition, part of General Mills Inc.
Eating to Diminish Inflammation
There is growing evidence that prolonged inflammation may have some influence on the course of diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer's and heart disease. Some ways to reduce the occurrence of inflammation include eating a diet rich in omega-3s, incorporating fresh, organic fruits and vegetables in your meals, and reducing your intake of polyunsaturated vegetable oils (such as sunflower, corn and safflower oils), replacing them instead with extra-virgin olive oil. Another tasty way is to use healing spices in your cooking: turmeric, ginger and red pepper can add zing to any meals and are all natural anti-inflammatories.
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My husband takes 500 mg of Tylenol twice a day, even when nothing is wrong. He says its just in case. Can this be unhealthy?
-- Anonymous |
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You dont say why your husband began taking Tylenol in the first place. While the drug is safe when used as directed, taking it twice daily on a regular basis could be harmful to the liver and kidneys. In fact, an advisory committee to the Food and Drug Administration has recommended that drugs containing acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, warn on the label that exceeding the recommended maximum dosage (eight 500 mg tablets daily) can cause liver problems. In addition, two to ten percent of all cases of end-stage kidney disease are thought to be due to excessive consumption of pain relievers like acetaminophen.
Currently, the package labeling carries an FDA-mandated warning to alert consumers to the dangers of combining acetaminophen and alcohol. It reads as follows: Alcohol Warning: If you consume 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day, ask your doctor whether you should take acetaminophen or other pain relievers/fever reducers. Acetaminophen may cause liver damage. The FDA has also warned that liver damage may occur among those who take acetaminophen for more days than the label recommends, regardless of their alcohol consumption. And, there is evidence that women who take this drug may be at increased risk for high blood pressure. A study at Brigham and Womens Hospital in Boston found that women who took acetaminophen regularly were twice as likely to develop high blood pressure as women who didnt use it, and even those who took it only one to four days per month increased their risk by 19 percent. Results were published in the Oct. 28, 2002 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine.
Aside from the potential for liver damage, overuse of pain relievers including acetaminophen can cause a rebound effect among people who take them for headaches i.e., an increased tendency to have headaches. Over-the-counter drugs, not prescription medications, are usually to blame for this rebound effect. If your husband takes Tylenol for headaches, I recommend that he stop taking the drug under the supervision of a physician who specializes in treating headaches. He should then consider going to a headache or pain clinic to see if he can be helped by such non-drug treatments as stress management, biofeedback and physical therapy.
Andrew Weil, M.D.
Seeking Immunity
Your immune system is your interface with the environment. A healthy immune system is the cornerstone of good health - it allows you to interact with germs and not get infections, with allergens and avoid allergic reactions, and with carcinogens and avoid getting cancer.
Immune deficiency can be avoided with preventive measures: maintain good oral hygiene (gum infections can use up a lot of the body's immune resources); use antibiotics only when absolutely necessary; and avoid immunosuppressive drugs unless there are no other alternatives left. Cut back on sugar and stop eating polyunsaturated vegetable oils and artificially hardened fats - instead use olive oil and eat fresh fruits when craving something sweet. And don't forget moderate exercise - it can raise the level of your body's natural killer cells. | |
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