Health Problems
General
Observations Specific Situations Environmental & Pesticide Hazards
General Observations
- ADRENAL WEAKNESS Often not
diagnosed, this can be associated with a variety of problems. Here is a fairly simple test from
Alt. 7/05 p.3. Get an
assistant to take blood pressure.
- Take blood pressure
lying down.
- Sit up quickly and
retake blood pressure while sitting.
- Stand up and retake
blood pressure while standing.
There should be a rise of 4 to 10 points between lying and standing. A drop in blood pressure may be an
indication of hypoadrenia.
- DRUG STUDIES are often
biased: Industry backed research is 3 times more likely to have
proindustry conclusions. Companies often participate in study design
and may suppress unfavorable results. (Discover 1/04 p.71. Based on JAMA
article and conversations.)
- EMOTIONS play a
key role:
- Emotional stability
promotes physical health and longevity (SN 6/7/97 p.352).
Preliminary evidence indicates that high doses of omega-3 fatty acids can help
stabilize moods and relieve depression (SN 6/5/99, WBJ 5/00 p.30). Folate and B6 may also help.
- Severe grief (disbelief, yearning for deceased,
guilt over death, etc.) increases health risk and depresses immune
function (SN 5/17/97 p.301).
- Hostility (measured by cynical world view and
aggression under stress) is correlated with early atherosclerosis, which
leads to heart attacks and high blood pressure (SN 4/17/99 p.255).
- EXERCISE plays
a key role in helping to prevent various diseases including heart disease,
stroke, type-2 diabetes, colon cancer, and osteoporosis; and about 4 hours/week brisk walking
(or equivalent) may suffice (NAH 1/99 p.3). Strangely walking downhill (but not
up) reduces triglycerides whereas walking uphill (but not down) improve
glucose processing (Alt. 2/05 p.155)
Tai Chi improves balance (thus reducing risk of
falls) and mobility/flexibility (good for arthritis).
- HIGH FAT MEALS
(e.g., fast food) not only often provide bad fats, they also inhibit normal
blood vessel dilation for about 2 hours. (May be due to free
radicals.) To counteract the dilation problem, take vitamins C & E (antioxidants)
with meal (SN 11/29/97 p.341). [Amounts used were
1,000mg C and 800IU E.] Tea also appears to aid dilation (SN
1/2/00 p.366). See also cholesterol
below.
- IMMUNE SYSTEM Anything
that boosts the immune systems is good. Here are some ways:
- INFLAMMATION is
apparently a causitive factor of many older adult
diseases including Alzheimer's, arthritis, diabetes, osteoporosis and sudden artery blockage.
- Antioxidants are important in
reducing inflammation.
- Cytokines (proteins
that promote inflammation) and chronic infections (e.g., cold sores) may
be important. Low body fat, exercise
and proper diet lead to lower cytokine levels.
- Mediterranean diet
(high in olive oil, fresh fruit, vegetables; low in red meat) supresses (some)
inflammatory proteins. There have been a variety of studies in connection
with heart disease. (SN 11/22/03 p.304 is
one) The omega-3/omega-6
ratio may be important: need enough omega-3
(Alt. 7/05 p.6).
- INTESTINAL FLORA refers
to the bacteria in the intestinal tract. A good mix facilitates
health. Sources are yogurt and fermented vegetables (e.g.
sauerkraut) --- provided the bacteria have not been killed by
heating. These "probiotics"
are also available as supplements. Since antibiotics kill bacteria,
it is important to replace probiotics after being on antibiotics.
Some are contained in live culture yogurt. Yogurt bacteria and other
probiotics are available as supplements. Surviving the acidity of
the stomach can be a problem; however, some "beadlet" forms
(like an enteric coating) are available from Japan (as of 2003).
- NSAIDs
(nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; e.g., ibuprofen) have
side effects. Try replacing regular use by cooking with lots of
turmeric. The yellow coloring (curcumin) is
an anti-inflammatory (SN 12/8/01 p.362).
- PESTICIDES may cause various
problems.
- WOUNDS & BURNS Raw
honey applied topically is
antiseptic and promotes healing.
Specific Situations
A B C D G H I K M N O P S T U V
- AGING See memory, muscle loss, obesity,
and osteoporosis. Oxidation underlies
many degenerative changes (SN 8/10/96 p.95), so keeping up antioxidant levels is
important. Inflammation is related to
oxidation. An excess of acid-producing
foods can result in muscle loss. Aging decreases effectiveness
of antioxidants, so elderly
should have supplements. Exercise helps prevent a variety of
age-associated conditions.
- ALZHEIMER'S
Inflammation may play a role, but
don't use current (2001) NSAIDs --- side effects of long-term use make
risks outweigh benefits. Instead try using lots of turmeric in cooking (SN 12/8/01 p.362; Alt. 12/02
p.141). B12 levels tend to be low, so B12 deficiency could be
a causative factor. Various other B vitamins may help (SN
3/2/02, p.141; SN 8/28/04. p.142). The latter SN article cites a
niacin (RDA 35-45mg) study of over 65 people: those consuming about
14mg/day experienced more mental decline and were 3 times as likely to
develop Alzheimer's as those consuming 17+mg/day (cited J. Neurology,
Neurosurgery and Psych. 8/04). Moderate drinking (1-3
drinks/day) appears to reduce risk of dementia in older people (SN 2/2/02
p.67). In a small study, alpha-lipoic acid
stabilized the disease (Alt. 3/02 p.72). A mouse study indicates
that the omega-3 oil DHA may help
(SN 9/4/04 p.166). Exercise (even just walking) helps keep the mind
sharp (J. Amer. Med. Assn. 9/22/04).
- AMD Age-related macular degeneration.
- ARTHRITIS
Green tea contains
polyphenols (antioxidants)
that inhibit the cause of inflammation and are
more powerful and longer lasting than aspirin (SN 4/17/99 p.247). Glucosamine sulfate (1,500 mg per day) stopped
degeneration (NAH 5/01 p.9) and improved symptoms. It was reported
that glucosamine + chondroitin led to healing (Lancet, 2002). Inadequate
vitamin D contributes
to degeneration (Alt. 4/02). Ginger is also beneficial. Tai
Chi improves balance (thus reducing risk of falls) and
mobility/flexibility. Experiments on rats indicate yogurt may help.
- ASTHMA (adult onset) Estrogen replacement increases risk 50% (SN
10/28/95 p.279).
- ATHEROSCLEROSIS
See cardiovascular and cholesterol. Inflammation
may cause rupture of plaque and lead to a heart attack. A small study showed that 8 oz. of
pure pomegranate juice
daily greatly reduced carotid artery thickness . It also reduced systolic pressure
and oxidized cholesterol (Alt 5/05 p.183).
- BLOOD CLOTS Among the contributing factors: aging,
lack of exercise, low antioxidant
levels, bad fats, toxins,
pathogens. Fibrous blood clots can be dissolved and prevented by
taking the enzyme nattokinase or eating its source, natto (soy
cheese--this is NOT tofu) (Alt.
11/02).
- BRUISES & SWELLING
clear up quicker with large doses of digestive enzymes.
With scheduled injuries (e.g., dentistry, surgery) start a day or two
before. Safe for children. Adult dosage: 3-4 tablets 3-4
times/day between meals.
- CANCERS Click
on cancers for more specific information. Antioxidants and phytochemicals
are important.
- CARDIOVASCULAR
A very large study ending in 2002 provides
overwhelming evidence that deep inflammation
is the single most important cause. Poor oral hygiene increases risk
(perhaps due to association with inflammation?). To reduce risk of
recurrence, reduce LDL levels below "normal" (SN 10/5/96 p.215).
A study of atherosclerotic patients drinking 50ml (about 1.5oz)
pomegranate juice daily showed a 20% drop in systolic pressure and a
reduction in artery wall thickness (hardening) (SN 1/8/05 p.28). A
study found that, for every daily serving of spinach or other leafy
greens, the risk of cardiovascular disease fell 11% (SN 1/8/05 p.27).
See also cholesterol and heart disease.
Good: Nuts,
garlic (but maybe only in large amounts), red wine and tea are beneficial
Fats: Foods high in omega-3
fatty acids are good. The mono/saturated fat ratio appears more
important than total fat (SN 11/21/98 p.328). There is evidence that
high-mono-fat diets are better
than standard low-fat diets. Avoid bad fats and oils. See also
discussion on high fat meals.
- CARIES See tooth decay.
- CATARACTS
Good: Vitamin
E (Amer. J. Clin. Nutr. 69 (1999) p.272), Vitamin C, glutathione, and
other antioxidants retard
formation (SN 10/18/97 p.244). Some of these may be effective
because they increase glutathione levels (Altern. Med. Rev. 4/01
p.141). Some evidence is ambiguous, but is strong for the carotenoids lutein and
zeaxanthin (NAH 7/00). In a U. Wisc. study, taking multivitamins for
more than 10 years reduced risk 60% (USA Weekend 11/21/03).
Bad: Corticosteriods (inhalants
for asthmatics) increases cataract risk (SN 7/26/97 p.60). Smoking, UVB rays, and weight around middle are linked with higher risk
(WSH, 3/01). Daily use of
aspirin (heart attack “preventative”) for a period of ten
years for those under 65 increased cataract risk by over 40%
(Ophthalmology 105 (1998) p.1751).
Reversal:
of cataracts observed in small trials using 2-3 eyedrops of well
shaken mixture (below) 3x day. (May be slight temporary burning from
DMSO.) Takes 1-6 months (Alt 1/02 p.55). Do not use if you
have an eye infection.
1/2
oz. 99.99% DMSO
1/2
oz. distilled water
2-3
pinches finely ground glutathione
powder
- CFIDS (Chronic Fatigue and Immune Deficiency
Syndrome) CoQ10 synthesis may
be low in which case 100mg/day of CoQ10 may help (BN 6/99 p.14).
- CHOLESTEROL (bad cholesterol is an LDL = low density
lipoprotein, good is an HDL) The HDL/LDL ratio appears to be more
important in preventing atherosclerosis (SN 9/9/89 p.171) than the LDL
level. Cholesterol may be benign unless oxidized, so antioxidants would help.
Also, antioxidants fight inflamation, which
can cause clogged arteries. Cinnamon
may help. A study of atherosclerotic patients taking pomegranate juice (50ml/day,
about 1.5oz) reduced oxidation of LDL significantly (SN 1/8/05 p.28). Another study used 8 oz (Alt. 5/05
p.183
Good: Monounsaturated oils
improve the ratio. Some flavonoids in
oranges raised the good cholesterol level (but did not lower bad
cholesterol) --- 1cup/day gave 5% HDL increase, 2 gave 7% and 3 gave 21%
(SN 11/18/00 p.327). Moderate
drinking raises HDL levels (SN 2/28/98 p.142). Nuts as part of a healthy diet
plan are as effective as statins (Circulation 2002; 106(11) 1327 cited in
Alt. 12/02 p.138).
See also cardiovascular and heart disease.
Bad: Found in animal fats and made from bad fats and oils. (Trans fats are especially
bad.) Diterpenes, found in some coffee brews, raise cholesterol levels;
however, tea helps prevent
plaque formation.
Statins
(cholesterol lowering drugs) also lower CoQ10 levels
significantly and have other bad "side" effects. Nuts may be a good substitute
for statins.
Age: Cholesterol levels may be less important in later years (SN
10/25/97 p.260):
after 50,
level not correlated with mortality;
after 80,
level correlated positively with reduced (not increased!) mortality.
- CONCENTRATION PROBLEMS May
be due to iron deficiency (SN 11/2/96 p.282).
- CONSTIPATION
Of course, this may be due to lack of fiber in the diet.
People often use over-the-counter cures which tend to be habit forming or
may not work. Try B5: for rapid results, 2,000-3,000 mg on an empty
stomach; for more gradual results, a smaller amount on a
regular basis.
- CROHN'S DISEASE See inflammatory bowel disease.
- DEMENTIA See Alzheimer's above.
- DEPRESSION See emotions above.
- DIABETES
There may be large quantities of free radicals, so beta-carotene and
other antioxidants may
help. High levels of vitamins A and E may help (SN 6/29/96 p.410),
but see precautions under vitamins. 1200
IU of vitamin E [no mention of lower levels] daily lowered inflammation in both healthy people and those
with adult-onset diabetes (SN 11/11/00 p.311 per Lancet 357 (2001)
p.251). Magnesium
and zinc may also be
important (DL Jan.2001 p.43). Chromium
picolinate (1,000 mcg/day) may correct Type II diabetes (Diabetes,
1997). Inadequate vitamin
D increases insulin resistance. Alcohol helped women, with 2
drinks/day best (SN 3/8/03 p.155). Cinnamon
is helpful. Green tea was
helpful but black tea was not, probably due to a difference in
antioxidants (SN 5/1/04 p.283).
Chlorogenic acids in coffee are also good (ibid.). Since caffeine is bad (http://sciencenews.org/20040807/food.asp),
low caffeine coffee (decaf) and teas (green, white) may be best.
Moderate exercise may help with insulin resistance (SN 12/13/97 p.380). In
another study (Alt. 2/05 p.155), walking downhill (but not up) improved
glucose processing.
Bad: Trans
fats increase risk of adult-onset diabetes (SN 11/10/01 p.301).
Caffeine impairs control of blood sugar (SNol 20040807 citing Diabetes
Care 8/04, p.2047 et al.).
Vitamin C (at least 300mg) correlated with double the risk of
stroke and coronary disease in a study of post-menopausal women (SN 1/1/05
p.12).
Diet: Low fiber plus high
carbohydrate (e.g., white flour, white rice, potatoes, sugar) increases risk (SN 3/15/97 p.161; Amer. J.
Publ. Health 9/00). Animal protein is better than plant
protein since the latter raised sugar and insulin levels more (Amer. J.
Clinical Nutr. 1997). A diet in which half the carbohydrates had
low glycemic index led to improvement
in just one month. The books Syndrome X: The Complete
Nutritional Program to Prevent and Reverse Insulin Resistance by
Jack Challem, et al. and Natural Supplements for Diabetes by
Frank Murray were recommended, but I am not familiar with them.
- DIVERTICULITIS Diets high in
fiber and vegetables prevent this common disease. Unless
inflammation is present, ignore "expert" opinion on limiting
diet --- it is based on speculation, not fact. However, remember to
chew nuts well. It is believed that diverticulitis is caused by
repeatedly exerting excess pressure to evacuate, a situation caused by
chronic constipation. (6/02, J. Brody, NY Times health columnist)
- GALL BLADDER ATTACKS
Do as much as possible to avoid removal since it is important for
absorbtion of fats (including essential
oils) and fat soluble nutrients. If it has been removed, take
bile salts. Almost all attacks (except gallstones?) are caused by
food allergies (especially eggs, pork, onions, fowl, milk, coffee,
oranges) or medications (Dr. J.V. Wright's Nutrition & Healing 10/04).
GALL STONES: Vitamin E may help
prevent. Vitamin C
helps prevent, perhaps by facilitating conversion of cholesterol to bile. (Archives of Internal Medicine, 2000,
v.160). High fat meals and lack of exercise may help cause
them. There is an alternative medicine procedure, described in many
places, for a gall bladder flush.
- GLAUCOMA Antioxidants
are typically low, so raising levels may act as preventative and treatment
(Altern. Med. Rev. 4/01 p.141).
- GOUT is caused by uric acid
crystals. Purine metabolizes to uric acid, so doctors used to
recommend avoiding foods high in purine. A study (New Eng. J. Med. 3/11/04
summarized in SN 3/13/04 p.165) shows it is not that simple: Among the
purine-rich foods, warm-blooded meats were worst, vegetables (e.g,
lentils, peas, asparagus, etc.) had little effect and fish and shellfish
were in between; skim and
low-fat dairy reduced risk significantly but high-fat dairy had little effect;
among alcoholic beverages, beer was the worst. Other studies have shown that lots
of liquid (esp. water) and an alkaline
internal environment reduce risk and shorten attacks Fructose
increases the production of uric acid and should be avoided (Lancet 67
p.528). Unfortunately
high-fructose corn syrup is a common sweetener.
- HEART DISEASE There may be deficiencies: Swedish study
showed 20% (men) to 35% (women) decrease when people took
multivitamin-mineral supplement (USA Weekend 11/21/03
p.6). More specifically:
- B vitamins and C are important (SN 2/28/98
p.142, 2/14/98), but another study showed statin drugs better than antioxidants (SN
12/1/01 p.351). Statins have bad side effects and there are
possible alternatives.
- Vitamin E seems useless
and beta-carotene (vitamin
A source) may be harmful (Lancet 6/03).
- Flavonoids help
those with coronary disease (SN 9/7/96 p.150).
- Choline plays a role in
prevention (SN 11/3/01 p.282).
Go for good-fat
diet, not low-fat diet (SN 3/20/99 p.181).
Nuts are helpful.
See also cardiovascular disease.
Risk factors include smoking, obesity, high LDL levels, high homocysteine levels (SN
10/21/95 p.264). Big meals can trigger a heart
attack--risk increases 10-fold in first hour, is gone by third (SN 1/2/00
p.366).
- HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE See
hypertension below.
- HIGH FAT MEALS Discussed above.
- HYPERTENSION
Weight loss and reduced salt intake reduce risk (SN 11/25/95
p.358). Magnesium
may help. Water only fasts (and perhaps others) can lead to rapid normalization
of blood pressure, even if it is only moderately high. Proper diet
afterwards can maintain it (HS July/Aug. 2000; Winter 2001 p.21). [The
study was done by people favoring a vegan diet, so the diet used was
vegan.] Small studies indicate Co-Q10 may help
(120 mg/day). Large doses of vitamin D may be better
ACE inhibitors, but amounts needed are such that one should have medical
monitoring to avoid calcium loss (Nutrition & Healing 1/04,
www.wrightnewsletter.com). See also heart
disease.
- IMMUNE SYSTEM Discussed above.
- INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE May
be triggered by lack of the antioxidant glutathione (SN
4/21/01 p.248). Types of fats eaten appear important: Rats with an omega-6:omega-3 ratio of
2:1 did better than those with more omega-6 (12:1 ratio) (SN 1/26/02
p.53). B12
deficiency is common in these patients due to reduced absorption.
- IRREGULAR or FAST HEARTBEAT Eliminating
caffiene and alcohol may help. There may be a magnesium deficiency
(Alt. 8/02 p.112).
- IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME (IBS) Three
causes are (1) excessive fructose ingestion (high-fructose corn syrup is
the culprit), (2) disruption of intestinal flora (due to strong
antibiotics), (3) food intolerance and (4) poor digestion. To eliminate (1), read
ingredients. To deal with (2),
consume probiotics found in fermented “live”
foods (no heating after fermenting).
The most common are yogurt and sauerkraut, but the former is
sometimes heated and the latter usually is. Poor digestion may be due to low
hydrochloric acid production or bile/gall bladder problems (such as
removal). (Alt. 10/05 p.25)
- KIDNEY STONES Lower risk: tea & coffee
8%; moderate wine 20% (SN 5/16/98 p.317).
Higher
risk: 8oz grapefruit juice/day 44%
(SN 5/16/98 p.317).
- MACULAR DEGENERATION Carotenoids may act
as preventative, especially lutein and
zeaxanthin (NAH 7/00). Glutathione may
help prevent. In mice, high-fat diet
caused problems and vitamin E helped prevent them (SN 10/2/99
p.215). Smokers at twice the risk
(WSH 3/01). Fish at least weekly versus seldom cut risk in
half---omega-3 fatty acids may be
cause (Arch. Opthamology, 3/00). There is strong evidence
that these preventatives can often help cure AMD. The following
daily regimen reduced risk by 25% in high risk people but not in low risk
(Arch. Ophthalmology, 119 no.10 (2001)):
500 mg C + 400 IU E + 15 mg beta-carotene
+ 80 mg zinc (as ZnO) + 2 mg copper oxide
- MANIC DEPRESSION Preliminary
evidence shows high doses of omega-3
fatty acids help (SN 6/5/99, WBJ 5/00 p.30).
- MEMORY Vitamin E use (400 IU)
is correlated with better short-term memory in older people (World
Alzheimer's Conference 7/11/00). Choline is probably
important, especially prenatally through toddlerhood.
- MIGRANE Magnesium may help
(Alt. 11/95 p.39). Avoiding closed jaw at night may help and can be
done by using athletic mouthpiece that covers all top
teeth (Alt. suppl. 5/98).
- MUSCLE LOSS
With age, people tend to lose muscle, which can lead to falls and other
problems. Resistance training is a big help (SN 8/10/96 p.90).
- MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS In
a 15+ year study of nearly 200,000 women, vitamin D appears to
offer some prevention (1/13/04 Neurology cited in SN 1/31/04,
p.77). Vitamin B12
also helped (in mice).
- NEUROPATHY See
peripheral neuropathy.
- OBESITY With age, body tends to use fat less.
Solution: eat smaller meals and exercise to retain fat-burning
muscle (SN 11/1/97 p.283).
There are other safe methods besides exercise for increasing
metabolism
- CLA (conjugated
linoleic acid) is found in beef, lamb, turkey and dairy products; however
animals which are not range-fed have less than half the CLA of animals
that are. Supplements are
available.
- Omega-3 fatty acids.
- Green tea appears to work.
- The thyroid may be underactive, perhaps due to iodine deficiency.
- OSTEOPOROSIS
This is usually caused by excessive excretion of calcium rather than
by insufficient calcium in the diet. (See calcium for more
info.) Isoflavones
(in soy protein) may help bone-mineral density.
There are two alleles of a gene (VDR) associated with a vitamin D
receptor. People with one allele benefit from calcium and
weight bearing exercise (not just one alone). Those with the other allele
have strong bones regardless (SN 7/8/95 p.23). Avoid animal protein: In an 8 year study of 1,000 older
women, those who got most of their protein from animal sources had 3 times
the bone loss of those who consumed little animal protein (Amer. J.
Clinical Nutr. 73 (2001) 118-122). Higher levels of the hormone cortisol increase risk, and concern
about diet can raise cortisol levels (SN 2/20/01, p.47).
There are indications that about 400IU of vitamin E may prevent it
after menopause (SN 6/3/01, p.410). Too many acid-producing foods can result in
calcium loss as can too much sodium (typical in prepared foods).
Strontium deficiency can also be a cause.
- PARKINSON'S DISEASE Coenzyme Q10 may help
prevent it. Neurotoxin
exposure increases risk. Avoidance of excitotoxins may reverse early
stages. L-dopa is found naturally is some legumes which appear to
contain other useful compounds and seem less likely to lead to overdosing;
e.g., fava beans (<0.5%) and mucuna beans (3%-10%). Preparations
from the latter are becoming available. (Alt. 10/03 p.31)
- PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY
Alpha-lipoic
acid (600 mg twice a day) improves symptoms (NAH 5/01 p.11 per Diabetic
Med. 16 (1999) p.1040). B12 treatments may help
(follow link).
- PLAQUE See cholesterol.
- PROSTATE (non-malignant
enlargement) Saw palmetto shrinks tissue and improves urine flow.
- SAD (seasonal
affective disorder) Can be treated about 60% of cases with at least 1/2
hour of bright overhead lights in the morning, which may
adjust melatonin production (SN 10/17/98 p.248).
- SINUSITIS and upper repriratory
infections may be reduced by humming regularly (Am. J. Respir. Crit.
Care Med. 2002; 166(2) p.131 cited in Alt. 12/02 p.142).
- STROKE Good oral health can cut rist in half. B vitamins (SN 2/28/98
p.142), C (SN
2/14/98), and mono-fats are
important. Each serving of fruit and vegetables (on a daily basis)
reduces risk about 4% and the most important seem to be crucifers, green leaves, and
vitamin C-rich foods
(SN 10/30/99 p.287). See also cardiovascular.
After a stroke: 1
gram or more of glycine (an amino acid) taken
orally for at least several days after the stroke reduced mortality rate
by nearly 60%, but lesser amounts were ineffective (Alt. 1/00). After a stroke, test for vitamin D
(many stroke patients are very low) and supplement with D and calcium if
needed (SN 2/19/05 p.126).
See also hypertension and cardiovascular
disease.
- THROMBOSIS See
blood clots.
- THYROID Excess soy protein may stimulate (HNB 1/99 p.22).
Onion family stimulates (Benesh). It may be underactive due to iodine
deficiency. Here is a simple
test that can indicate an underactive thyroid (Alt. special report):
- Place an oral
thermometer shaken down to at least 96 F (35 C) degrees by your bed.
- When you wake up, stay
in bed and put the thermometer in your armpit for 10 minutes.
- A temperature below
97.2 F (36.2 C) is a sign of underactive thyroid.
- TINNITUS and hearing loss have
been linked to low levels of folic acid, B12 and zinc
and possibly to low levels of vitamin D. In one
study, 46% taking 50mg zinc
per day had tinnitus improvement in 2 months (no placebo info) (Nutrition
& Healing 1/04 p.7, www.wrightnewsletter.com)
- TOOTH DECAY
Wasabi and other sources of isothiocyanates may
help fight Streptococcus mutans (SN
1/13/01). Xylitol (a natural sugar substitute used in some products
including a XyliChew) remineralizes teeth and reduces cavities and plaque
(Alt. 9/03, p.18).
- ULCERS Okra
appears to interfere with Helicobacter pylori, the cause of stomach
ulcers, adhesion to stomach walls (J. Agric. Food Chem. 2004;
52(6):1495 as cited in Alt. 7/04 p.100).
- ULCERATIVE COLITIS See inflammatory bowel disease.
- URINARY TRACT INFECTION Blueberries and cranberries help prevent it
probably by making it harder for E. coli to
adhere to walls.
- VARICOSE VEINS
Flavonoids
helpful (BN 6/99 p.50)