A New Risk Factor for Heart Disease

A very sensitive liver function enzyme test, the GGT, has been shown to be a biomarker for cardiac risk, oxidative stress and inflammation. Researchers in Germany found the GGT to be an independent risk factor for vascular disease, and it’s incredibly cheap at about $10 per test. If your GGT level is less than 13, your chances of a heart attack are practically nonexistent. The higher it goes, the worse your risk. The best way to lower liver enzymes is milk thistle (silymarin).

See the winter issue of Holistic Primary Care (subscription required) P. 6 and Meisinger C, et.al. Journal of Internal Medicine 2005; 258:527-535.

The Power of Hope

The Journal of the American Medical Association in their last issue of 2008 contained a wonderful editorial that some of my colleagues really need to listen to. They pointed out that physicians should remember “(every) encounter with a patient should leave the patient emotionally more able to deal with his or her illness….Most importantly, no patient should ever leave a visit with a physician without a sense of hope.” This is at the core if Integrative Medicine, and I endorse this “science of care” with enthusiasm.

See JAMA 2008, volume 300, No. 24, p. 2919 EXTRACT (membership required to see full text)

Call to Action to Prevent Pulmonary Embolism

Acting Surgeon General Steven K. Galson joined the Venous Coalition to issue a Call to Action to prevent deep vein clotting and pulmonary embolism. Coumadin is generally recommended for patients undergoing major surgery or prolonged bed rest at home or in the hospital, but is often not prescribed. Many patients who die of pulmonary embolism are misclassified as having suffered a heart attack. The true incidence of death from PE probably exceeds the total number of deaths from breast cancer, HIV disease and motor vehicle accidents combined. A natural way to help prevent the problem is to take fish oils, a least 1 tbsp a day, which we recommend for practically every adult patient.

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the Venous Coalition

Quit Smoking for Free

A study in the American Journal for Preventative Medicine (membership required) indicated that 85% of smokers preferred to contact a free telephone quit-smoking line to going to a doctor to stop smoking. Advantages include cost, convenience and anonymity. Experienced counselors will create an individualized quit plan for anyone who contacts them at the National Network of Tobacco Cessation Guidelines (1-800-784-8669). Offer this number to anyone you think might benefit. It is up to the smoker to make the phone call. Sometimes, all it takes is a nudge in the right direction.

National Network of Tobacco Cessation Guidelines (1-800-784-8669).

Food Allergies Increasing

A study by the National Center for Health Statistics showed that the incidence of food allergies in children increased by 19-24% in the decade beginning in 1997. This only included IGE-type food allergies manifesting in asthma, eczema, respiratory and digestive problems. The study did not include IGG-mediated reactions, which we have found to be the most common type of food allergies. Most children with any type of recurrent problem that affects the immune system should be tested for food allergies. Treatment can consist of avoidance of the offending food(s) or desensitization with such techniques as SRT and LDA, neither of which is commonly available but both of which are usually quite effective, in our experience. For more info contact COHA or go to healthcelebration.com.

Resources: National Center for Health Statistics and Family Practice News, November 1, 2008, P. 18

Avoid Plavix with Heartburn Drugs

The Associated Press reported this fall that patients who combine Plavix with acid-reducers such as Nexium, Protonix, and Prilosec greatly increase their risks of a heart attack, which is exactly opposite of the purpose of the Plavix. Most of the beneficial effect of Plavix is only in the first 30 days after a cardiac event. There are many natural and safer ways to make the platelets slippery and avoid clotting, including fish oils, garlic and nattokinase.

Family Practice News, November 1, 2008, p. 10
The Journal of American College of Cardiology, 2008
American College of Gastroenterology

NSAID’s Liver Damage Has Risen Dramatically

Common non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Motrin, Alieve and Ibuprofen now cause seven times more serious hepatotoxicity than they did 10 years ago. Speculation about the cause includes that many more patients are taking with these drugs and statins to lower their cholesterol. NSAID’s have previously been linked to ulcers, heart attacks and kidney disease. Tylenol and natural pain relievers like glucosamine are much safer. Be especially careful if you are taking a NSAID along with any drug that also might affect the liver. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to be sure.

See (click here) Family Practice News, October 15, 2008, P. 24.