Asthma: how to cut down on steroids
Several research
papers in recent years show that asthmatics can dramatically reduce levels of
corticosteroids without any danger of their asthma worsening. In a new study involving 259 asthma sufferers
who had the complaint for at least a year, half carried on receiving beclomethasone
dipropionate, an inhaled corticosteroid, at the standard dose of around 800 ug a day,
while the rest had their dosages more than halved.
Those on reduced dose suffered no more asthma attacks
than those on the higher dosage. If you are still on a high dose, it wouldn’t hurt to
book a visit to the doctor to reconsider the
situation.
Meanwhile, latest news on the
breathing technique known as the Buteyko method claims encouraging results. Participants in a study typically reduced their reliever medication by 2
puffs a day, and a majority managed to reduce their steroids too, after becoming
accustomed to the technique. To learn more, see
website:
www.lifesource.co.uk
Intake of fruit and vegetables reduces risk for stroke by 30-40 %
A
recent study published in the American Journal of
Clinical Nutrition revealed that both men and women, eating lots of fruits and
vegetables have a much lower risk of suffering from stroke.
Almost 55,000 Danish men and women
participated in the study. Daily fruit and vegetable intake was measured and the number of
patients suffering from stroke was analysed
over 3 years.
The reduced risk of 30% rose
when looking at fruit and vegetables separately. It
was found that only fruit intake has a higher protective role: those consuming the
most fruit had a risk which was 40% lower than those who consumed the least amount of
fruit.
Similar results have been obtained
in an earlier study where fruit and vegetables rich in vitamin C were protective for
stroke. Kiwifruit is the richest source of
vitamin C. It contains twice as much vitamin C than oranges. Consumption
of fruit and particularly fruit rich in vitamin C may protect against stroke.
Change in blood pressure
definition
The definition of high blood pressure, or hypertension, has
changed. New guidelines from the National Institutes of Health in the USA have made the
recognised risk levels lower, meaning that those who were considered borderline before,
are now suitable candidates for therapy.
From now on, in the States at least, 'normal' blood
pressure is less than 120/80 mm Hg, a pre-hypertensive state is 120/80 to 139/89. Stage one hypertension – which is when
treatment is advised – now begins at 140/90 to 159/99. Under the old guidelines,
'normal' blood pressure was around 128/80 mm Hg, which is now pre-hypertensive.
Doctors are recommending two drugs to treat this new lower threshold of hypertension:
thiazide diuretics and a hypertensive drug. Side effects of some of the drugs recommended
can cause impotence.
European
levels remain unchanged in an area where treatment is under critical review. It has been discovered that the old-fashioned low-dose
diuretics are sufficient on their own to reduce blood pressure in many cases. In fact they
may be more effective than the new antihypertensives.
A report in the Journal of the American
Medical Association makes the picture clear. Researchers
studied 42 clinical trials of different antihypertensives, which involved 192,478
patients, and found that none of the new front-line treatments-which include ACE
inhibitors, calcium channel blockers and beta blockers-was any better than the low-dose
diuretics.
Alternatives
to Hormone Replacement Therapy
’One month ago I came off HRT after 11 years at
the suggestion of my doctor. Please can anybody help me, because the hot flushes are
making my life rather uncomfortable to say the least. I would really appreciate some help
in finding an alternative.
Thank you.’
Sandra. 10 August 2003
The message above was posted on our Forum pages in laterlife.com. Sandra is clearly not
alone. Here Helen Franks offers advice and
suggestions. See laterlife Forum and maybe add any ideas from your own
experience…
Firstly, HRT is not the only drug. For osteoporosis, there are several bone-strengthening
treatments available on prescription that are more effective than HRT.
Secondly, it is only the combined treatment of HRT
that is a problem. Those taking
oestrogen only – usually because they have had a hysterectomy – can continue,
though a review with the doctor is always a good idea.
For hot flushes and night sweats, there are
effective alternatives available without prescription. The
substances that show up best in research trials are phytoestrogens, derived from plants. These mimic oestrogen's role in the body and
can restore hormonal balance. One kind of
phytoestrogen is isoflavones, found in lentils, chick peas, soya and other beans.
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A study published in Menopause: The Journal of the
North American Menopause Society, reports that hot flushes are reduced in menopausal women
taking soy isoflavone supplements. Among 75 patients in a carefully controlled study
carried out over four months, by week 16 women taking the soy supplement were experiencing
a significant decrease in hot flushes compared to a placebo group. Soy is available as a supplement on its own and as part of a mix with
other phytoestrogens and herbal remedies.
One tried and tested isoflavone
considered most useful is red clover, used in trials over 15 years.
Other nutrients for menopausal symptoms:
Black cohosh
In one study of 629 women
suffering from severe menopausal symptoms, over 80% obtained relief within eight weeks of
treatment with black cohosh. Many women showed
improvement within four weeks of symptoms including hot flushes, palpitations, depression,
headache, dizziness, sleep disturbance.
Gamma-oryzanol
Japanese researchers have found gamma-oryzanol to be
effective in the reduction of menopausal symptoms, amenorrhea and certain ovarian
disorders.
Tribulus Terrestris
This is thought to enhance libido
and alleviate hot flashes, depression and emotional instability). After several months of use, women tested reported
increased sex drive after supplementation with tribulus.
It must be said that some of the
trials on these nutrients involve small numbers of women, and often there is no
independent measure of improvement, with reports relying on the women reporting success
themselves. This could include the placebo factor
– ie responding to the idea of taking the nutrient rather than any intrinsic
ingredient acting on hormone balance. The
information given here is to provide possibilities for alternatives to HRT, with no
guaranteed results.
Products containing the above nutrients are
available from Nutri Centre (the major suppliers of supplements in
the UK) at a special 10% discount for UK laterlife visitors. Simply click on the product title below
for a specific product or click to browse the full range of
Nutri Centre products.
Make sure you quote the coupon code LL050 (that's LL zero five
zero) in order to receive your 10% discount.
Arkopharma Phytosoya - PhytoSoya Double Potency
35mg Isoflavones. Pack
of 60 capsules - ARK3004130 - £16.55
Novogen Red Clover - delivering 40mgs of isoflavones daily.
Pack
of 90 capsules - NAT81433B - £39.99
HerBalance
II – a combination including soy, black cohosh, gamma-oryzanol and
tribulus terrestris.
Pack
of 120 capsules - VRP2420 - £29.95
All of the above are available
from the Nutricentre. Prices correct at time of
publication.
If you would like further
information about supplements for the menopause, contact the Women’s Nutritional
Advisory Service. The Women's Nutritional Advisory Service is now incorporated into
the Natural Health Advisory Service www.naturalhealthas.com
For information on osteoporosis,
contact the National Osteoporosis Society, website: www.nos.org.uk
or email: info@nos.org.uk
Good diet during
menopause
Add
more soybean-type products such as tofu, miso, lentils, soya bean, as rich sources of phytoestrogens.
Reduce or eliminate alcohol.
Add more vegetables, grains, fruits, seeds, and nuts, for phytoestrogens, antioxidants and fibre.
Add
more fresh, whole, and unprocessed foods to avoid preservatives.
Reduce
red meat, high in saturated fat.
Avoid
fried foods and "junk" foods.
Reduce
sugar and salt.
Don’t
smoke.
If in any doubt about any of the
information covered in healthwise articles and it's relevance for you, consult your GP.
In edition 41:-
Reflux action
This
unpleasant condition may not be all bad news
Is pre-eclampsia a risk
This was
always thought to be a transitory condition that passes, never to return, once the baby
was born.
Pain in the neck
A survey of
the best treatment for neck pain
Is bladder control in the mind?
Is it
possible that this problem is partially or mainly a question of attitude?
Not only Americans risk heart attack
Some
Europeans tend to be a bit sniffy about the health of their cousins on the `other side of
the pond`.....
The drugs don`t work
There`s
been a worrying shift in the treatment of elderly patients with mental illness in the form
of bipolar disorders.
The anti-malarial no no
Some
worrying reports about the antimalarial drug, Lariam
Index to
all previous Healthwise editions
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