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.

August 2006

Welcome to the August 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:

We did not publish a newsletter in July because I was dealing with a personal crisis with my wife's health.  Elaine has been battling breast cancer for the past several years.  She was initially diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer that had already spread to her bones and other parts of her body.

Most of her treatment has been with conventional medicine provided at the Stanford Cancer Center in Palo Alto.  She has been willing to try some natural remedies for limited periods, but due to the severity of the problem, she has felt that she needed to pursue the most aggressive treatment available.

Last month, she was told that there was no further conventional treatment that the doctors felt would be effective for her and they gave her very little hope that she would live for long.  After considering a lot of options, we decided that we would go to Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) to see what they might offer.  We have no complaints or criticism about the treatment Elaine received at Stanford, but giving up and waiting to die is not an option we will accept.

I have been aware of CTCA for many years as they integrate complementary and alternative therapies with conventional medicine - something that I have believed in and worked toward for over 20 years.  We just completed a week of tests and consultations with the doctors here, both medical oncologists and naturopathic doctors, and will be starting our drive back to California on Monday, July 31.

While CTCA offered no "miracles", we were very impressed with every aspect of their operation.  They were both efficient and compassionate and definitely treated the whole person.  Our plans are now to do those things that will boost Elaine's immune system, strengthen her, and help her body fight the cancer naturally.

For anyone facing cancer, I would highly recommend CTCA.  I will be posting more about our visit on our website once we get back to California.  I will also post updates on Elaine's progress.

We appreciate all the support, positive thoughts, and prayers that have been offered and thank everyone for their kindness.

Pomegranate juice could slow prostate cancer growth
Drinking a glass of pomegranate juice every day could slow the growth of prostate cancer, researchers have reported for the first time... Read

Scientists Slow Vision Loss with Antioxidants
According to an article on News-medical.net, citing findings published in the July online edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), researchers at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine have examined mice with a with a form of retinitis pigmentosa (RP), determining that oxidative damage gradually kills cone photoreceptors. (Cones are needed to see colors and make vision possible in bright light). The researchers found that In mice that received vitamin E or alpha-lipoic acid, 40% of the cones survived, about twice as many as in the control group or the groups treated with the other antioxidants (vitamin C or an antioxidant similar to superoxide dismutase), which had no identifiable effect.
Internet Resources:
Article on News-medical.net
Abstract in PNAS

Study: Fish consumption linked to reduced macular degeneration risk
New research suggests that eating fish may have benefits for the eyes, in addition to the plentiful other benefits found in previous studies. One study of 681 elderly American men indicates that those who consumed fish twice a week had a 36% reduced risk of developing macular degeneration than those who ate less fish, and a previous study of 2,335 Australian men and women found that those who ate fish just once a week reduced their risk by 40%.   The Washington Post/Associated Press (free registration) (7/10)

More evidence that cranberries could prevent tooth decay
The flavonoids quercetin and myricetin found in cranberries can stop the formation of dental plaques and tooth decay, as scientists report yet more benefits for this super fruit... Read

Tea linked to lower risk of bile stones and cancer
Drinking at least one cup of tea a day could cut the risk of cancer in the gallbladder and bile ducts by about 40 per cent, suggests a population-based study from China... Read

Study: Vegan diet has big impact on symptoms of diabetes
Yahoo! | 7/28

Caffeine could protect against memory loss
University of Birmingham researchers have reported that caffeine can boost nerve cell activity in the brain, potentially protecting against memory loss... Read

Milk thistle compound could protect against lung cancer
A flavanone compound in milk thistle, silibinin, stopped lung cancer growth and spread in mice, says research from the University of Colorado... Read

Study: Calcium has double benefits in middle age
A study funded by the National Cancer Institute indicates calcium can benefit middle-age people in two ways, building bone strength and curbing weight gain. Calcium supplements appear to benefit women more than men and may even encourage weight loss, according to cancer researchers in Seattle.   HealthDay News (7/6)

Red grape juice's heart benefits get boost
Red grape juice improved cholesterol levels and inflammatory markers associated with heart disease, reports research from Spain... Read

Dietary Fatty Acids and the Incidence of Age-Related Maculopathy
Research published in the Archives of Ophthalmology describes data examined from the Blue Mountains Eye Study involving 3654 persons, 49 years or older, where 2335 were reexamined after five years. The researchers observed that participants with the highest vs lowest quintiles of omega-3 polyunsaturated fat intake had a lower risk of incident early age-related maculopathy (ARM). A second study appearing in the same issue examined the effect of cigarette smoking, fish consumption, omega-3 fatty acid intake and associations with Age-Related Macular Degeneration. These researchers observed that cigarette smoking increases risk while fish consumption and omega-3 fatty acid intake reduce risk of AMD.
Internet Resources:
Abstract(1) in Archives of Ophthalmology
Abstract(2) in Archives of Ophthalmology

Make room for mushrooms in antioxidant rankings
Ingredient suppliers have been quick to tap fruits and vegetables shown to have a high antioxidant content, like tomatoes and broccoli. Now new research suggests that mushrooms deserve a place in the antioxidant... Read

Study Shows Cinnamon Extract Lowers Blood Sugar Levels in People with Type 2 Diabetes
A placebo-controlled, double-blind study from the University of Hannover in Hannover, Germany, published in a recent issue of the European Journal of Clinical Investigation, evaluated the effect of a water-soluble cinnamon extract on glycemic control and the lipid profile of Western patients with type 2 diabetes. The researchers observed that the cinnamon extract group (receiving 112 mg cinnamon extract three times daily for four months) experienced a significant reduction in fasting plasma glucose levels (10.3%) versus the placebo group. (3.4%).
Internet Resources:
Press Release on NPIcenter
Abstract in the European Journal of Clinical Investigation

Calcium intake could reduce pre-eclampsia, suggests review
An increased intake of calcium may reduce the risk of hypertension and pre-eclampsia during pregnancy, according to a new review of clinical trials... Read

Vegetable flavonoid could protect against asthma
Apigenin, a plant flavonoid found in herbs, fruits and vegetables, suppressed the levels of an immune system antibody linked to asthma and other allergies when fed to mice, report Japanese researchers in a new... Read

Report: Medication errors cause 1.5 million injuries annually
A report by the Institute of Medicine says more than 1.5 million Americans are harmed by drug errors in medical settings each year and calls for all prescriptions to be written electronically by 2010. The report said, on average, a hospitalized patient is subject to at least one medication error per day, despite recent initiatives to improve the administration of medicines.   The New York Times /Associated Press (free registration) (7/20)

Soybeans More Efficient than Corn, Study Finds
Soybeans are a vastly better choice than corn as the basis for formulating alternatives to fossil fuel, according to a ...More

Spinach extract could suppress appetite, tackle obesity
Swedish researchers have identified a compound found in green leaves that suppresses appetite and boosts weight loss in lab animals, and could one day be used as a functional ingredient to help tackle obesity... Read

Fungus enzyme could lead to supplements for coeliacs
A newly identified enzyme can break down gluten molecules before they reach the small intestine, Dutch researchers have shown, and may offer hope for the management of coeliac disease using oral supplements... Read

Study: Overweight people sicker than thinner counterparts
Overweight and obese women spend an average of three years more in ill health than women of normal weight and overweight men typically are sicker one year more than thinner men, according to a new study. The study also found that heavier people are more likely to suffer from pain, arthritis, heart disease and Type 2 diabetes, and they are more likely to die prematurely than normal-weight people.   USA TODAY (7/27)

Calcium supplements could help women control weight
Middle-aged women could benefit from calcium supplements suggests a new study that is yet another twist to the calcium-dairy weight loss debate... Read

Study: Infection may trigger Type 1 diabetes in children
Clusters of Type 1 diabetes among young patients may indicate that common infections may trigger the disease or that there is an environmental component, according to a new study. In looking at two groups of children diagnosed with the disease, the researchers concluded that infections may precipitate Type 1 diabetes in some people.   Reuters (7/13)

Study: Impotence an early sign of heart disease
Erectile dysfunction could be an early sign of cardiovascular disease and men who experience such symptoms should be screened for heart disease, according to a new study. The study of nearly 300 men with impotence and clogged arteries found that as many as 93% of men reported symptoms of erectile dysfunction one to three years prior to experiencing angina.   CNN /Reuters (7/19)

Cereal polyphenols may boost immunity, slow aging
Polyphenols from cereals could restore the immune system function and could potentially extend lifespan, suggests an animal study... Read

Omega-3, heart health evidence is strong, says review
Omega-3s from oily fish and supplements can reduce the risk of cardiac and sudden death, and possibly stroke, says a new review from the US... Read

Amino acid supplement has benefits in heart failure
According to a Reuters Health article citing research published in the International Journal of Sports Medicine, dietary supplementation with the amino acid L-arginine may improve the physical fitness of heart failure patients by enhancing their endurance to exercise. According to the article, researchers examined the potential benefits of 6 weeks of L-arginine supplementation on endurance exercise in 10 patients with chronic stable heart failure, observing that patients who took L-arginine experienced a significant decrease in their average heart rate throughout exercise and the recovery period.
Internet Resources:
Reuters Health Article
Abstract in the International Journal of Sports Medicine

Magnesium supplements could reduce inflammation
A daily magnesium supplement could reduce the levels of a inflammation that could lead to heart disease in people with low dietary intake of the mineral, says a US study... Read

Complementary and Alternative Therapies for the Management of Menopause-Related Symptoms
According to an article on News-Medical.net, citing a review article appearing in the Archives of Internal Medicine, US researchers examined 70 previous studies of alternative and complementary therapies, including 48 of biologically-based treatments, for menopause-related symptoms, determining that although some of the individual studies suggested benefits for certain therapies, the overall quality and quantity of data was not sufficient to recommend any of the treatments.
Internet Resources:
Article on News-medical.net
Abstract in Archives of Internal Medicine

Poll: 60% of consumers check food nutrition labels
Six in 10 people check food labels frequently, and 80% say food labeling is easy to understand, according to an AP-Ipsos poll that surveyed 1,003 adults to assess their attitudes toward food labeling. Women and the health-conscious are also more likely to check nutrition labels.   Contra Costa Times (Walnut Creek, Calif.)/Associated Press (free registration) (7/2)

Poll: More approve higher insurance rates for unhealthy lifestyles
As many as 53% of Americans feel that people with unhealthy lifestyles should pay higher insurance premiums than those with healthy lifestyles, while 32% say it would be unfair, according to a new Wall Street Journal/Harris poll. The figures represent a shift from 2003, when 37% said it would be fair for those with unhealthy lifestyles to pay more, and 45% said it would be unfair.   The Wall Street Journal (subscription required)

Kiwis could protect DNA from damage, says pilot study
Two to three kiwis a day could keep cancer at bay by helping to repair damaged DNA, suggests a pilot study from the home of the fruit... Read

Low lutein, zeaxanthin levels linked to artery disease
Researchers from Sweden have reported that people suffering from coronary artery disease (CAD) have low levels of the antioxidant carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin, and could respond to supplementation... Read

Researchers: Lifestyle changes best in avoiding heart disease
Switching to a more healthy lifestyle can dramatically cut the risk of heart problems for men, even those already taking blood pressure or cholesterol drugs, a new study indicates. Middle-age men using such medicines can reduce the risk of heart problems by 57% through healthy eating, not smoking, drinking in moderation, maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly, and those not taking drugs can reduce risk by 87%.   Reuters (7/3)

Folic acid supplements could reduce inflammation
A daily supplement of folic acid could reduce inflammatory markers and therefore offer protection from heart disease for overweight and obese people, suggests a short study from Italy... Read

RESEARCH NEWS

Portabella and crimini mushrooms are as rich in antioxidants as other colorful vegetables according to a Penn State University study. The author of the study, N. Joy Dubost, measured the activity of two antioxidants, polyphenols and ergothioneine, present in mushrooms, using the ORAC assay and HPLC instrumentation. She found that portabella mushrooms had an ORAC value of 9.7 and criminis had an ORAC value of 9.5. Data available from other researchers shows carrots and green beans have an ORAC value of 5; red pepper 10; and broccoli 12. The ORAC assay, the most well known test of antioxidant capacity, focuses on the peroxyl radical, the most predominate in the human body. Free radicals, such as the peroxyl radical, are thought to play a role in the aging process and in many diseases, including cancer, Alzheimer's and atherosclerosis. Epidemiological studies have shown that those who eat the most fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants have lower incidence of these diseases. The study was supported by The Mushroom Council, NutriCore Northeast and the Pennsylvania Agricultural Experiment Station

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.