Dr. Shari LiebermanDedicated
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Dr. Shari Lieberman’s Nutritional & Integrative
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Welcome to my newsletter. Each month I review the cutting-edge
research in the field of nutritional and integrative medicine and give you my commentary.
At the end of each newsletter, I give a specific nutritional protocol for a specific disorder.
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January Topics
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Antibiotic Use May Cause Allergies
- Diet, physical activity, and sedentary behaviors as risk factors for overweight in adolescence.
- Is Atkins Dead (Again)?
- Autoimmunity, environmental exposure and vaccination: is there a link?
- Herbal Remedy Butterbur Helps in Allergic Asthma
- Cranberries and Urinary-Tract Health: A Knowledge Assessment of American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Fellows
Antibiotic Use May Cause Allergies
Rimland, B. Allergies May All be in the Gut, Study Finds. Reuters, May 26, 2004
Abstract:
Mice were fed antibiotics and then fed Candida albicans, after being exposed to mold spores. The mice treated with antibiotics and colonized with Candida developed an allergic response in the lungs after mold exposure, while the mice that did not receive antibiotics remained healthy. Similar research has been conducted in antibiotic-treated animals with an egg protein that produces allergies. The reactions may be due to alterations of gut flora following antibiotic treatment. Altered intestinal flora may lead to changes in the entire immune system and produce symptoms elsewhere in the body. Fungi in the gut can secrete compounds called oxylipins, which in excess can prevent the development of regulatory T-cells, leading to an over-reactive immune response to allergens.
Commentary:
It is simply amazing to me that despite the mounting research on the dangers of antibiotics they are still prescribed in such a cavalier fashion for colds and flu (for which it does nothing) and skin conditions such as acne. We already know that we created antibiotic-resistant organisms that now require even stronger, nastier antibiotics to control them. And for some, like the flesh-eating variety, there are really no guaranteed cures. This research is extremely important because it confirms earlier research that demonstrates the deleterious effect that antibiotics have on our immune system. Our intestines have an elaborate and important immune system that is adversely affected by antibiotics through a variety of mechanisms, including alterations of intestinal flora (killing of acidophilus and other friendly flora) and creation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. If friendly flora such as lactobacillus acidophilus and Saccharomyces boulardii are administered with antibiotics at least some of the adverse effects could be prevented or minimized. Shouldn’t any physician prescribing antibiotics at least know about this?
Diet, physical activity, and sedentary behaviors as risk factors for overweight in adolescence.
Patrick K, Norman GJ, Calfas KJ et al. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2004 Apr;158(4):385-90.
Abstract:
The proportion of overweight adolescents has increased, but the behavioral risk factors for overweight youth are not well understood. A total of 878 adolescents aged 11 to 15 years, 42% of whom were from minority backgrounds found that overall, 45.7% of the sample was classified as being overweight and at risk for being overweight with a body mass index for age at the 85th percentile or higher. Girls and boys who were overweight did fewer minutes per day of vigorous physical activity, consumed fewer total kilojoules per day, and had fewer total grams of fiber per day than those in the normal-weight group. Overweight boys also did fewer minutes per day of moderate physical activity and watched more minutes per day of television on nonschool days than normal-weight boys. Girls had a greater risk of being overweight if they were Hispanic or from another minority background and a reduced risk of being overweight as minutes per day of vigorous physical activity increased. A low level of vigorous physical activity was the only significant risk factor for boys. Analyses based on meeting behavioral guidelines supported these findings and showed that failing to meet the 60 minutes/day moderate to vigorous physical activity guideline was associated with overweight status for both girls and boys. In addition, boys who failed to meet sedentary behavior and dietary fiber guidelines were more likely to be overweight. Of the 7 dietary and physical activity variables examined in this cross-sectional study, insufficient vigorous physical activity was the only risk factor for higher body mass index for adolescent boys and girls. Prospective studies are needed to clarify the relative importance of dietary and physical activity behaviors on overweight in adolescence.
Commentary:
With all the school budget cuts this will simply get worse. We are investing less and less in our future – namely, our children. Good education and physical fitness will be available only for the wealthy if we continue along this path. Schools don’t require physical education because they no longer have the budget to offer it. Schools are filled with junk foods and beverages in vending machines and fast food fare in the cafeteria because they get outside funding from companies providing these items for very needed supplies like computers. So it’s a double-edged sword. And who is paying the price? Our children. To make matters even worse, children then go home and sit in front of the television or video game. It is estimated that 20% of our children are very overweight or obese and within the next 10 years one out of three children will develop Type 2 (adult onset!) diabetes. If this isn’t a wake up call, I don’t know what is!
Is Atkins Dead (Again)?
Lean MEJ, Lara J. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis, 2004;14:61-65.
Abstract:
Fat supplies 9 kcal/g compared with 3.7 kcal/g from carbohydrates. The low-carbohydrate “Atkins'” style diet uses
Commentary:
Very high-protein, high-fat, low-carbohydrate diets just don’t work in the long term. They are difficult to follow and the research has shown that when Atkins is compared to the Zone and other types of diets the weight loss achieved is actually quite small and the weight it gained back easily. However, the research on low-glycemic-index (GI) diets is quite different. Low-GI diets include complex carbohydrates that act like time-released energy and help diminish carb cravings and prevent the sluggishness and fatigue associated with very low carb diets. It also preserves metabolism whereas dieting slows metabolism by 10-15%. It is easier to follow and more weight and body fat are lost rather than muscle and water. Muscle dictates metabolism—so any diet that causes muscle loss will slow metabolism. Low-glycemic-index diets are the way our ancestors ate and the way indigenous people still eat today. Even more important – low-GI diets are healthy, whereas high-fat, high-protein, low-carb diets are not.
Autoimmunity, environmental exposure and vaccination: is there a link?
Ravel G, Christ M, Horand F, Descotes J. Toxicology. 2004 Mar 15;196(3):211-6.
Abstract:
Although the wide clinical experience shows that vaccines are generally safe, concern has been expressed for a causal link between vaccines and autoimmune diseases. Even though the mechanisms of autoimmunity are poorly elucidated, the role of pre-existing risk factors including genetic predisposition and environmental factors is largely accepted. The present study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that vaccines can promote autoimmunity in genetically-prone individuals when simultaneously exposed to a chemical known to induce autoimmune reactions. Female lupus-prone mice were given 1 microgram or 10 micrograms of a hepatitis B vaccine at 2-week intervals in conjunction with 40 micrograms of mercuric chloride three times per week for 6 weeks. A marked increase in serum IgG levels and a slight increase in anti-nuclear autoantibody (ANA) levels were seen in the mice given 10 micrograms of the vaccine plus mercuric chloride. No straightforward conclusion can be drawn from these results because of the extreme experimental conditions of this study. Nevertheless, the results tend to support the hypothesis that vaccination could enhance the risk of autoimmunity in genetically susceptible individuals when exposed to certain environmental chemicals.
Commentary:
There are many studies confirming mercury is a potent neurotoxin. It is not new news. Previous studies show that when small levels of mercury are given in the water of mice genetically bred to be susceptible to autoimmune disease they develop autoimmune disease while normal mice do not. We know that mercury is toxic. If a mercury-containing thermometer is broken in a classroom the room is cleared and the mercury is removed as a hazard. Yet this same amount of mercury has been put into dental fillings and we are told it's safe. Mercury is disguised in many pharmaceuticals as thermosal and used as a preservative in anything from vaccines to eye drops. This is nothing less than insane. Human studies have shown that autoimmune disease incidence rises with the number of decayed filled teeth. There is much data accumulating about the link between mercury-containing vaccines and attention deficit disorder. Mercury has adverse effects on immune function and is also linked to cancer and other diseases. Mercury is also in the environment from gold processing and other industries. This study is important because the hepatitis B vaccine is being made mandatory for children who already received numerous vaccinations loaded with mercury. Even worse, what is epidemic now is hepatitis C not B. So forcing this upon our children is quite disgusting and potentially dangerous. Lastly, the hepatitis B vaccine is being forced upon our children with absolutely no safety data for this age group.
Herbal Remedy Butterbur Helps in Allergic Asthma
Finn R. Family Practice News. June 15, 2004:25.
Abstract:
In a study of 16 atopic asthmatic patients who participated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial, subjects received 25 mg, twice daily, of butterbur (Petasites hybridus) or placebo for 1 week, followed by a washout period for 1 week, and then crossed over to the other treatment. Results showed those patients receiving butterbur had a significantly improved response to adenosine monophosphate bronchoprovocation. Those taking the butterbur had significant improvements in exhaled nitric oxide, serum eosinophil cationic protein and peripheral blood eosinophil count compared with placebo. Butterbur appears to exert its effects directly in the lung and improves the upper airway.
Commentary:
Prior research on butterbur has shown it to be extremely effective and safe for the prevention and treatment of migraine headaches. This study demonstrates that butterbur can also help those with allergic asthma. Butterbur prevents bronchoconstriction similarly to an inhaler and improves eosinophil counts. Eosinophil counts rise with allergies and butterbur helps normalize these levels. Butterbur may also exert natural antihistamine effects.
Cranberries and Urinary-Tract Health: A Knowledge Assessment of American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Fellows
Green JA, Newman SJ. J Altern Complement Med. August 2004;10(4):603-605.
Abstract:
The following questions were asked of a large group of more than 400 physicians: “Does cranberry juice consumption help prevent urinary-tract infections?” and “Does cranberry juice consumption treat urinary-tract infections?” It was found that 71% of the physicians believed that cranberry juice could prevent urinary-tract infections, but only 32% could identify the most appropriate reason. Eighty-one percent of the respondents said there was no evidence to support the use of cranberry juice to treat urinary-tract infections. Initially, cranberry juice’s effect was believed to be due to its ability to “acidify” the urine, but this was later proved to be wrong. In 1984, Sobotal, et al, showed that the mode of action of cranberry juice was to interfere with the adherence of E. coli to uroepithelial cells. Bacteria, including E. coli, have different types of adhesions on their pili or fimbriae that allow the organism to adhere to epithelial cells and proliferate. Cranberries contain proanthocyanidins that inhibit the mannose-resistant adhesions that are found in strains of E. coli and other types of bacteria. In vitro studies show cranberry juice does inhibit bacterial adherence to uroepithelial cells. In 1994, it was shown that in elderly women who were given cranberry juice, subjects were 42% less likely to have bacteriuria with pyuria compared with controls. In another study, consuming cranberry juice prevented urinary tract infections in women with a history of recurrences. In 2002, a study by Stothers showed that consumption of either cranberry juice or cranberry tablets resulted in a statistically significant reduction in the number of patients experiencing at least 1 symptomatic urinary-tract infection per year compared with placebo.
Commentary:
Don’t you think EVERY physician, especially gynecologists should know about cranberries and urinary-tract health? While 71% “believed” cranberry juice can prevent urinary tract infection (UTI), they didn’t have a clue about how it worked. Even worse, 81% were completely ignorant about the research that exists on treating UTI with cranberry juice or extract. If you don’t know about the research it doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist! I’m personally tired of this type of rhetoric from professionals unfamiliar with a subject. Why not just say, “hey I don’t know!” Patients have far more respect when a practitioner is honest about what they do and don’t know. Cranberry juice and standardized cranberry extract capsules such as CranActin are excellent for preventing and treating UTI. I would avoid commercial cranberry juices since the main ingredients are sugar and water. Sugar would promote bacterial growth and could work against the action of cranberry. If you combine cranberry extract with an acidophilus supplement you would reap optimal benefits.
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