The Alternative Medicine & Natural Health Newsletter
is sponsored by
ALTERNATIVE HEALTH INSURANCE SERVICES.

Since 1985, Alternative Health Insurance Services has helped businesses and individuals find the best value in health insurance with an emphasis on coverage for alternative medicine and natural therapies. Please visit www.AlternativeInsurance.com to learn about options for your personal or group health insurance.

June 2006

Welcome to the June 2006 edition of our newsletter.

Our goal is to provide you with information and articles that are of interest to you and may be of value to you.  Information we include is gathered from a variety of publications. 

If you have not read our previous newsletters, they are also posted on our website.

A Message from Steve Gorman, Founder of Alternative Health Insurance Services:

The mass appeal of organic foods and products can not be ignored as evidenced by the fact that nearly 75% of the U.S. population buy organic products at least occasionally (see more details in third story below).

Wal-Mart's recent commitment to become the low-price leader in organics has some organic suppliers concerned that mass production could water down organic standards.  Nevertheless, organic suppliers are anxious to support Wal-Marts efforts and grow their business.

Progressive Grocer has published a very informative article about organic products growth in the mass market.  To access it, go to: Progressive Grocer .

I hope you find our newsletters to be of value.

Vitamin Angel Alliance Organizes Nutrition Response for Indonesia Earthquake Relief Effort
[2006/05/30][Vitamin Angel Alliance]
Vitamin Angel Alliance has begun organizing children's and adult multiple vitamin shipments to assist in the Indonesia Earthquake Relief effort and is now beginning to receive vitamin donations in Los Angeles that will be air freighted along with other relief supplies to the earthquake region as early as this week.

Herbal Remedy Could Help Sufferers of Type 2 Diabetes
British researchers, in a placebo controlled study on 79 subjects, (reported in the British Journal of General Practice (BJGP)), set out to see if patients with type 2 diabetes, consuming a western diet and taking prescribed medication with daily hawthorn extract would show greater hypotensive effects over 16 weeks than a placebo group. The researchers observed that those taking the hawthorn, after a 16 week period, had a significant reduction of 2.6 mmHg in their diastolic blood pressure.
Internet Resources:
Press Release on NPIcenter

Almost three-quarters of the U.S. population buy organic products at least occasionally, up from 55% in 2000, according to a new report by The Hartman Group. Twenty-three percent of U.S. consumers buy organic products on a regular basis, that is, at least weekly. "Organics" has overtaken "natural" as a buzzword for mainstream consumers interested in higher quality food experiences from the dual perspective of health and gourmet eating, Hartman Group stated. Among the study findings: Compared to five years ago, consumers are much more likely to use natural food stores to purchase organic foods and beverages (29% in 2000 compared to 49% today). While using grocery stores for organic purchases has fallen somewhat (from 63% of consumers in 2000 to 58% in 2005), using supercenter/discount stores for organics has increased (from 9% to 15%). Compared to the general population, two ethnic and racial groups are somewhat more likely to purchase organics: Asian Americans and Latino/Hispanic Americans. "Organic has less relevance for consumers when one moves into the center store and into categories that are inherently processed to a larger degree with numerous ingredients," said Michelle Barry, Hartman's senior vice president of consumer insights and trends. "The exceptions here are categories frequently eaten by children, where the value of organic is significant to the parent."

Antioxidant combo may prevent some migraines
According to a Reuters Health article citing a report in the journal Headache, researchers at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Anaheim, California treated 12 patients who did not respond to several types of migraine drugs with 10 capsules containing 120 mg pine bark extract, 60 mg vitamin C and 30 IU vitamin E every day for three months, observing that the 11 who completed the regimen had an average 50.6-percent improvement in MIDAS scores, a test used to measure disability caused by migraines, including a reduction in headache days from 44.4 days before the treatment to 26.0 days during treatment.
Internet Resources:
Reuters Health Article

New support for coffee's heart protection benefits
Antioxidants from coffee may reduce the risk of postmenopausal women developing cardiovascular disease, report researchers from Norway and the US lending more support to previous studies on the beverage's potential... Read

Study: Complementary, Alternative Medicine Use High And Varied In Treating Middle Ear Infection In Israeli Children
According to an article on Medical News Today citing research presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Israeli researchers have examined, using a questionnaire, the use of alternative and complementary therapy in children admitted to a major treatment facility for middle ear infections, determining that 51.7% of the children received some CAM treatment, with 63% of those receiving the CAM treatment reporting self-administration.
Internet Resources:
Article on Medical News Today

Researchers have learned how a derivative of vitamin E causes the death of cancer cells and then used that knowledge to make it even more potent, according to The Ohio State University Medical Center. Vitamin E succinate, or alpha tocopheryl succinate, is typically taken as a nutritional supplement for its antioxidant properties. The study, led by researchers with The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC-James), was published in the April 28 issue of the Journal of Biological Chemistry. Researchers found that vitamin E succinate works by blocking a protein called Bcl-xL. The protein is often present at abnormally high levels in cancer cells and protects them from dying when they should. Using computer modeling, researchers found that the vitamin E derivative works because it lodges in a groove in the structure of the Bcl-xL protein, disabling it. However, the vitamin E molecule has a long, protruding tail that keeps the molecule from fitting tightly, and the scientists found by altering the molecule's structure they could improve the agent's ability to kill cancer cells by 5- to 10-fold in laboratory tests. "Our findings could lead to a potent chemopreventive agent that has both strong anticancer and antioxidant properties," said principal investigator Ching-Shih Chen, professor of pharmacy and internal medicine and a researcher with the OSUCCC-James.

New Research Clarifies Nutritional Roles Of Calcium, Vitamin D, and Protein In Bone Health and Fracture Risk
Research presented at the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) World Congress on Osteoporosis in Toronto, Canada indicates that calcium in food might do more to protect bones than supplemental calcium in pill form, separate research shows that vitamin D supplements reduce fracture risk only in the presence of additional calcium; and further work indicates that high protein foods also promote bone health.
Internet Resources:
Press Release on NPIcenter
IOF Website

Consumers Seek Specific Health Claims in their Food and Nutritional Supplements
The Natural Marketing Institute (NMI) has announced that, according to its Health & Wellness Trends Database(TM), 57% of all U.S. consumers indicate they are looking for foods that have a specific health claim and about half prefer to buy vitamins/minerals/herbals/dietary supplements that have a specific health claim.
Internet Resources:
Press Release on NPIcenter
NMI Website

The Food and Drug Administration has finalized a rule that allows foods containing barley to claim that they reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Specifically, whole grain barley and dry milled barley products such as flakes, grits, flour, and pearled barley, which provide at least 0.75 grams of soluble fiber per serving, may bear the following claim: "Soluble fiber from foods such as [name of food], as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease. A serving of [name of food] supplies [x] grams of the soluble fiber necessary per day to have this effect." FDA Deputy Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D., said, "We firmly believe that one of the best ways to encourage healthier eating habits is to help consumers get truthful, up-to-date, science-based information about food products so that they can make choices that are based on a better understanding of the health consequences of their diets.".

More evidence for natto/ vitamin K bone health benefits
Natto, the traditional Japanese fermented soybean and a rich source of vitamin K2, could reduce bone loss in post-menopausal women by as much as 80 per cent, says research from Japan... Read

Blueberries could stop liver cancer growth
US scientists report that blueberry extracts inhibited the growth of liver cancer cells in the lab, potentially adding to the growing list of health benefits for the 'superfood'... Read

Elderly men may benefit from vitamin D, calcium too
Elderly men, a population that is often overlooked in bone health studies, could also benefit from daily supplements of fortified milk, says new research from 'Down Under'... Read

Broccoli, Cauliflower and Genetic Cancer
Rutgers University has announced that a new study on a mouse model shows that certain vegetables - broccoli and cauliflower, in particular - have natural ingredients including sulforaphane that may reduce the risk of developing hereditary cancers.
Internet Resources:
Press Release on NPIcenter
Rutgers University Website

More fruit could mean less asthma in adults
People with an antioxidant-rich diet could reduce their risk of developing asthma in adulthood, say Cambridge researchers... Read

More support for L-Carnitine combo against ageing
A combination of two common dietary supplements, L-carnitine and alpha-lipoic acid, could reduce oxidative stress associated with ageing and boost energy production, says new research - adding to previous reports... Read

Garlic, onions could protect against stomach cancer
A diet rich in garlic and onions could protect against stomach cancer, says a massive European-based study, but total fruit and vegetable intake has no benefit for this disease... Read

Omega-3 milk could protect against metabolic syndrome
Dietary supplementation with an omega-3 enriched milk could be a simple and tolerable way to ease cardiovascular risk factors linked to metabolic syndrome, say Spanish researchers... Read

Flaxseed could boost lung health, animal study
A dietary supplement of flaxseed, a rich source of lignans and omega-3 fatty acids, could reduce lung inflammation and oxidative stress, if results from a mice study can be expanded to humans... Read

Orange juice may protect against osteoporosis
Drinking more orange or grapefruit juice may reduce the bone loss and decrease the risk of osteoporosis in later life, suggests an animal study from Texas... Read

A clinical trial of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) found that the dietary supplement improved pain and physical function in people with knee osteoarthritis. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial studied 50 patients over age 40 diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis. Participants were randomized to take 3 gm. twice daily of MSM or placebo for 12 weeks. Compared to placebo, MSM produced statistically significant decreases in pain and physical function impairment, according to the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). It also significantly improved performance of daily activities. No major adverse reactions were reported. Cardinal Nutrition's OptiMSM brand of MSM was used in the study, which was published in the journal Osteoarthritis and Cartilage in March 2006. A secondary outcome was a significant reduction in homocysteine levels. "Because homocysteine levels raise the risk of heart attack, stroke and many other conditions, several mainstream osteoarthritis drugs have been pulled off the market," said Jeremy Appleton, ND, CNS, co-author of a guide to MSM and a member of Cardinal Nutrition's scientific advisory board. "By lowering homocysteine, MSM could possibly reduce those risks, which is highly desirable in a joint supplement."

Institut Rosell reported a new clinical study showing that Lacidofil, its proprietary probiotic formulation, reduced the symptoms associated with chronic Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). The study, conducted by Dr Z. Bene at the Thomayer's Teaching Hospital, in Prague, Czech Republic, will be published in the international journal Nutrafoods in May. The study involved 50 patients with at least a 10-year history of chronic IBS. Eighty-eight percent of the patients experienced a reduction of IBS-related complaints, and most of them voluntarily continued to take the probiotic several months after completion of the study. No side effects were reported. "Lacidofil was tested in association with conventional treatment over a four-months period, representing a relatively long-lasting trial with a probiotic supplementation in IBS," said Henri Durand, scientific director of Institut Rosell. "The results were very encouraging as most of the patients reported improvement of their condition. At the end of the trial period fourteen patients refused to quit the supplement because of the improvements, while fifteen of them resumed taking it after a relapse in their condition, and this speaks for itself. Most interestingly, other patients continued to experience alleviation of complaints after withdrawal of the treatment."

The Hershey Company Establishes Center for Health and Nutrition and Releases Study Results Linking Cocoa to Improved Cardiovascular Function
The Hershey Company (HSY) has announced the establishment of the Hershey Center for Health and Nutrition, to direct scientific research to develop products and technologies providing consumers with health benefits in the areas of heart health, weight management, and mental and physical energy. The company has also announced preliminary results of a Yale University study confirming the cardiovascular health benefits of hot cocoa consumption, showing that drinking either sweetened or sugar-free hot cocoa made with Hershey's Natural Cocoa powder can result in measurable improvements in arterial function.
Internet Resources:
Press Release on NPIcenter
Hershey Website

Garlic could lower cholesterol levels
Eating more garlic in the diet could decrease cholesterol levels and ease the burden of heart disease, says a joint Israeli-Polish animal study... Read

Garlic compounds may stop liver cancer growth
Water-soluble compounds from garlic reduced the size of liver cancer cells by a factor of three, research that adds to other anti-cancer studies with garlic, says a new laboratory study from Italy... Read

Researchers, clinicians, journalists and others wishing to access extensive scientific and clinical literature about herbal medicine now have access to The University of Illinois at Chicago's NAPRALERT database on the Internet, according to the American Botanical Council (ABC). The site is available at www.napralert.org. NAPRALERT is the world's largest database on herbs and medicinal plant research and contains information from over 200,000 published studies in the field of natural products covering numerous related scientific disciplines. "This is a real bonus to the herb research community," said Mark Blumenthal, ABC's founder and executive director. "For many years, we have relied on the NAPRALERT database for many of our research needs. It has been a unique and most valuable educational and research resource, often pointing us to papers that were not available anywhere else. Now that NAPRALERT is available on the Internet, the world of medicinal plant research just became bigger and easier."

New Study Shows Cinnamon Lowers Blood Pressure and Improves Insulin Function
[2006/05/04][Integrity Nutraceuticals International]
Placebo-controlled, double-blind study from Georgetown University in this month's Journal of the American College of Nutrition indicates that rats taking whole cinnamon or cinnamon extract showed decreased systolic blood pressure and improved insulin function, with the extract group lowering circulating levels of fructosamine and the whole cinnamon group lowering circulating insulin concentrations.

Selenium supplements under trial
Selenium has been linked to protection from cancers of both the prostate and lung, as well as immune system health. Many questions remain and numerous clinical trials are seeking to provide answers... Read

Study Adds To Evidence Showing Calcium Supplementation Is Effective In Reducing Fractures, Strengthening Bones
The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) has commented on a double blind, placebo-controlled five year study published last week in the Archives of Internal Medicine (AIM), which looked at at 1,460 women aged 70 or older who were supplemented with two 600 mg doses per day of calcium carbonate or placebo. The researchers observed that among the 830 patients who took 80 percent or more of their tablets, there was a significant reduction of fracture risk and improved bone structure and strength compared to placebo.
Internet Resources:
Press Release on NPIcenter
CRN Website

Study Shows Fish Oil to be Safe and Effective for Neck and Back Conditions
A study published in the April 2006 issue of Surgical Neurology provided 250 patients under physician's care, most of whom suffered from degenerative disc conditions, with 2 or 4 ProEPA omega-3 fatty acid capsules a day. After an average of 75 days of fish oil supplementation, 60% of respondents reported significant improvements, including reduction in overall pain and 59% were able to stop taking other pain medicine.
Internet Resources:
Press Release on NPIcenter

Resveratrol could protect against stroke, says lab study
Resveratrol, a compound found in grapes, red wine and peanuts, can improve blood flow in the brain by 30 per cent, thereby reducing the risk of stroke, according to the results of a rat study... Read

Low-carb diet could improve cholesterol levels, say scientists
A new clinical trial from the US has reported that a low-carb diet improves cholesterol levels, as a second study in a week reports health benefits for this once bright star of the diet world... Read

More magnesium, less copper could benefit health
People with more magnesium and less copper in their blood could reduce their risk of death from cancer by as much as 50 per cent, says a new study from France... Read

FREE ACUPUNCTURE & CHIROPRACTIC BENEFIT

Alternative Health Insurance Services now includes a free benefit for our individual and group clients that provides up to 20 acupuncture and/or chiropractic visits per year with a $20 co-payment for each visit. This complimentary benefit is a bonus for doing business with us and is included with most of the health insurance plans we offer.

We have contracted with Landmark Healthplan of California, Inc. to provide a combined chiropractic and acupuncture benefit that utilizes Participating Chiropractors and Acupuncturists. A directory of these providers may be found on the Landmark website at www.LandmarkHealthcare.com or from Alternative Health Insurance Services.

Participants will have a co-payment of only $20 per visit and can receive up to 20 visits per year. Treatments must be medically necessary to treat an injury or illness. After an initial visit, subsequent visits need to be pre-authorized by Landmark. Each participant will receive a Schedule of Benefits and other materials that fully describe their benefits, limitations, and exclusions.

This benefit is being provided at no cost to California clients of Alternative Health Insurance Services who are actively participating in a permanent health insurance plan where commissions are being paid to either Alternative Health Insurance or Steve Gorman. These benefits are being provided only to each primary policyholder and their spouse/partner.

This program is only available as a complimentary benefit to clients who have purchased their health insurance plans through Alternative Health Insurance Services and can not be purchased as a "stand-alone" benefit.

NEW VISION BENEFITS are now available from America's largest provider of eyecare coverage.  Normally these benefits are only available to employees of large companies, but you can participate through our special program.  For more details, click on the Vision Benefit link on our website.