For me, the sun rises and sets on emerging (or reemerging) science- pushing the conversation forward, the outrageous twists and turns of new evidence, of new technology; of new interventions for our patients we can explore, or jump right onto if the safety data are good. The newsletters I open first are ALWAYS my science briefs. And full disclosure, my favorite one is from Scientist Magazine. Being current in the midst of the medical revolution is essential to the practice of FxMed. For this reason, we provide Research and News. A digest of topics we are curious about, we have vetted and found beneficial. Check it out. ~ Dr KF
Alzheimer Drug Failures and Toxicity Underscore Relevance of Lifestyle Medicine
The opening section of this article, describing that drug failures are de rigueur in Alzheimer’s disease research and drug toxicity is a problem, really makes the point that lifestyle medicine is ESSENTIAL for Alzheimer’s disease right now. And drug efficacy requires starting Rx prior to onset of cognitive decline(!), just like lifestyle.. Further, less invasive assessments of early or pre-cognitive decline aren’t yet established. Learn more about early lifestyle interventions for brain health here.
Uric Acid Crystals From Gout May Also Deposit in the Heart
Untreated gout may be a previously-unrecognized cause of heart failure and coronary artery disease according to a new case report. Uric acid crystals, deposited in heart cells can cause localized information and cellular damage. Lifestyle changes can typically correct the underlying causes of gout with potential to avoid further damage to other soft-tissue organs.
Permanent Hair Dye and Increased Breast Cancer Risk
More research on the potential risks in the pursuit of beauty through chemicals – in a study of 45,000 women, permanent hair dye was positively associated with breast cancer (+9% increased risk). The association was greatest for women of African American descent (+45-60% increased risk). You don’t need those chemicals, ladies – you are all already beautiful!
Yellow dye in turmeric linked with lead poisoning in Bangladesh.
These reports come out relatively often, unfortunately. I’ve been seeing them for years, especially as botanicals like turmeric are in high demand globally. Quality can be the first to go, and unscrupulous producers are interested in making a buck. Bottom line for us: use professional grade products and always, always request quality control data. The company should *happily* provide you with recent third party testing. If they give you any pushback, or provide outdated reports, (or anything that isn’t transparent to you) stop buying from that company.