The use of selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors or SSRIs in the US has been steadily rising since their approval by the FDA for treating depression. There are several drugs in this class, most common are Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft. A study released in January this year in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that persons older than 50 years of age may be at increased risk for fracture due to SSRI use. The study followed...
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Posted by
Dr. Christina Gutierrez on
April 2, 2007 03:32 PM
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Research has shown that omega-3 fatty acids derived from fish and plant foods (flaxseeds and walnuts) can lower the risk of heart disease, inflammation, obesity and other chronic diseases. Previous studies suggest that fish-derived omega 3s can improve bone health. Now research reports that plant-derived omega 3s also improve bone health. The study, published in the Journal of Nutrition, investigated the effects of dietary plant-derived omega 3 fatty acids on bone health. Researchers at Penn...
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Posted by
Elaine Gavalas on
February 28, 2007 01:32 PM
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Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a degenerative autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation in the joints, leading to pain, deformities and disability. Previous studies have suggested that newer rheumatoid arthritis drugs, such as Humira and Remicade, are associated with an increased risk of certain cancers, including lymphoma. Humira and Remicade are drugs which block the production of Tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a protein linked with inflammation. However, new research now reports that TNF-blocking drugs are not...
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Posted by
Elaine Gavalas on
January 25, 2007 03:15 PM
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Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is an Indian spice that has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine as a treatment for inflammatory problems. Curcumin, the yellow pigment derived from turmeric is known to have anti-inflammatory, antitumor and antioxidant effects. Now for the first time, research reports that curcumin can help prevent rheumatoid arthritis. The study, published in Arthritis and Rheumatism, investigated curcumin's effects using an animal model of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Researchers at the University of...
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Posted by
Elaine Gavalas on
December 27, 2006 02:58 PM
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Previous animal studies have suggested that high coffee consumption may reverse the anti-inflammatory effects of methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation in the joints, leading to chronic pain, deformities and disability. Methotrexate is an anti-inflammatory drug that is commonly prescribed for RA. Now research reports that a high intake of caffeine doesn't weaken the effectiveness of methotrexate. The study, published in the Journal of Rheumatology, investigated...
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Posted by
Elaine Gavalas on
November 22, 2006 03:18 PM
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Depression, especially if chronic, can effect many of the bodies innate functions and disrupt health on all planes including the physical, mental, and spiritual. Yet, studying the effects of depression can be difficult because its effects are so broad. A new study from Israel conducted in lab mice looked at the effects of depression on bone mass. The researchers wanted to determine if depression could contribute to the development of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a bone...
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Posted by
Dr. Christina Gutierrez on
November 2, 2006 12:48 PM
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Previous studies have suggested that the rheumatoid arthritis drugs, Humira and Remicade, are associated with an increased risk of lymphoma, a type of cancer of the lymphatic system. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation in the joints, leading to chronic pain, deformities and disability. Humira and Remicade are drugs which block the production of Tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a protein linked with inflammation. Now research reports that Humira and Remicade also...
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Posted by
Elaine Gavalas on
October 27, 2006 02:04 PM
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Consumption of cola, or carbonated beverages, has been associated with low bone mineral density in teenage girls, and now a new study finds similar results in women. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published results of a large analysis of more than 2,500 men and women. It looked at cola consumption, including regular, diet, caffeinated and non-caffeinated drinks. They then measured bone mineral density in several areas of the hip and spine to determine any...
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Posted by
Dr. Christina Gutierrez on
October 15, 2006 12:23 PM
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Eating soy foods such as tofu, soy milk, and tempeh, has been shown to benefit bone health and increase bone mineral density in postmenopausal women. Soy contains bone strengthening minerals such as calcium, magnesium and boron, as well as isoflavones that can inhibit the breakdown of bones. Now research reports that eating soy foods helps lower the risk of bone fractures. The study, published in Archives of Internal Medicine, investigated the association of soy intake...
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Posted by
Elaine Gavalas on
October 10, 2006 02:46 PM
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Certainly people take prescription medications to improve their health. However, a recent review of available scientific evidence suggests two popular medications may actually increase the risk of developing cancer. In an article appearing in the May 17th, 2006 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, patients with rheumatoid arthritis who were taking the frequently advertised drug, Humira (infliximab), or Remicade (adalimumab) were found to be subject to a three-fold higher risk of developing...
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Posted by
Dr. Jennifer Stagg on
September 29, 2006 11:56 AM
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Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis affects both men and women. However, research reports that RA affects women harder than men. For reasons not yet understood, women don't respond as well as men to RA therapies. The study, presented at the 2006 European League Against Rheumatism Annual Meeting, investigated the frequency of remission in men...
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Posted by
Elaine Gavalas on
September 23, 2006 03:30 PM
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Calcium supplementation is often recommended in children to help build strong bones to aid in the prevention of fractures and osteoporosis, a condition of weak bones that can develop in late life. A study published in the British Medical Journal found little use of calcium supplementation in children in terms of building bone density. The results combine information from more than 19 studies that assesed calcium supplementation and bone mineral density in nearly 3,000 children...
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Posted by
Dr. Christina Gutierrez on
September 23, 2006 01:57 PM
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For an elderly individual, falling and fracturing or breaking a hip can be the beginning of the end. Often elderly individuals will never recover to full function after seriously injuring their hip. According to a new study in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society something as simple as a positive outlook on life can increase the chance life will restore to normal following a hip injury. In the study more than 430 men and...
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Posted by
Dr. Christina Gutierrez on
September 12, 2006 11:19 PM
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Many women are aware of the dangers of osteoporosis, but may not have heard about osteopenia, a similar disease of the bones. Osteopenia is simply a mild reduction in bone mineral density, the precursor to osteoporosis. Once bone mineral density reaches a certain cut-off level, it is then termed osteoporosis. Unfortunately, there are no warning signs of this condition. The only way osteopenia can be detected is by using a test for bone mineral density...
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Posted by
Dr. Jennifer Stagg on
September 3, 2006 07:04 PM
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Most people equate think about milk when it comes to getting dietary calcium. But for a growing group of us, milk and dairy products in general are not part of the diet, so where can we get elemental calcium? According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition we may be able to get it from water. Most water is not high in calcium, but designer waters that are high in calcium...
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Posted by
Dr. Christina Gutierrez on
August 28, 2006 02:29 PM
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Research suggests that eating nutrient-rich foods can help people with arthritis boost their strength and immunity. The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis (OA), a degenerative type of arthritis that develops over time, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. Both forms of arthritis can lead to chronic pain and disability. Here are some simple, nutritious food suggestions to help arthritis: 1. Protein- Healthy,...
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Posted by
Elaine Gavalas on
August 21, 2006 02:56 PM
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A new study found that exercise when men are younger can improve bone mineral density and decrease risk for fractures later in life. The study was published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. In the study more than 60 athletes and about 20 non-athletes (controls) were enrolled at an average age of 17 years. They were followed for 8 years and during that time athletic training and exercise activities were recorded along with...
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Posted by
Dr. Christina Gutierrez on
August 9, 2006 03:11 PM
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Arthritis includes more than 100 inflammatory and degenerative conditions that cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints. The two most prevalent types of arthritis are osteoarthritis (OA), a degenerative joint disease that develops over time, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. Over 43 million Americans have arthritis, and that number is expected to increase as baby boomers age. Joint replacement surgery is usually the...
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Posted by
Elaine Gavalas on
August 1, 2006 01:55 PM
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The multitude of disease conditions caused by obesity is growing, and as mentioned previously, obesity will soon overtake smoking as the leading cause of death in the United States. Ever wonder why so many people are getting hip and knee replacements? Perhaps it may be related to the epidemic of obesity. A study published in the March issue of the medical journal, Arthritis and Rheumatism, indicates that higher body mass index earlier in life is...
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Posted by
Dr. Jennifer Stagg on
July 30, 2006 06:24 PM
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Back pain is among the leading health complaints of patients presenting in primary care physicians offices. According to the American Chiropractic Association: 1. Thirty-one million Americans have low back pain at any given time. 2. One half of all working Americans admit to having back symptoms each year. 3. One third of all Americans over age 18 had a back problem in the past five years severe enough for them to seek professional help. 4....
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Posted by
Dr. Jennifer Stagg on
July 30, 2006 11:16 AM
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Back pain and neck pain are often treated conventionally using NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) medications. However, with the recent evidence of serious cardiovascular risks caused by commonly prescribed NSAID drugs like Vioxx and Bextra (which have been pulled from the shelves), many physicians are not as quick to prescribe Celebrex or even over the counter drugs anymore. Long time known concerns over other effects like gastric ulcers and bleeding also caution the use of NSAID...
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Posted by
Dr. Jennifer Stagg on
July 30, 2006 07:58 AM
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The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis (OA), a degenerative type of arthritis that develops over time, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. Both forms of arthritis can lead to chronic pain and disability. However, research suggests that eating nutrient-rich foods packed with vitamins, minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants can help control arthritis symptoms, reduce pain medications and slow the progression of...
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Posted by
Elaine Gavalas on
July 25, 2006 02:11 PM
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Osteoporosis affects many women in the United States, but it is often underdiagnosed with more than half of cases left undiagnosed. Women have a 50% chance of developing a fracture due to osteoporosis in their lifetime. Even after a fracture is discovered, most physicians still do not prescribe supplements to improve bone health or even prescription drugs (bisphosphonates which help build bone density but can have serious side effects). To lower the risk of developing...
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Posted by
Dr. Jennifer Stagg on
July 14, 2006 04:04 PM
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Taking a calcium supplement later in life can help protect against osteoporosis, a condition characterized by bone mineral loss. Calcium supplementation in women may also slow weight gain when compared to those who do not take a daily calcium supplement says a new study in the Journal of American Dietetic Association. Weight gain in women is common after reaching menopause. Lifestlye factors such as exercise and eating well can help curb the weight gain that...
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Posted by
Dr. Christina Gutierrez on
July 11, 2006 04:40 PM
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Chronic back pain affects millions of American adults and is the second most common reason people seek out a doctor. Now, for the first time, research reports that yoga practice relieves chronic back pain and is more effective than conventional therapeutic exercise or getting a self-care book.
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Posted by
Kristopher Foster on
June 30, 2006 02:07 PM
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New research reports that exercise can actually help prevent disability from arthritis, as well as help to improve joint function.
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Posted by
Kristopher Foster on
May 12, 2006 10:41 AM
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Statin drugs are famous for their lipid lowering ability. Many individuals with high cholesterol and high LDL (bad cholesterol) can be put on a statin drug and find dramatic decreases in blood lipids. In studies in humans and animals, researchers observed another effect of statin drugs - decreased inflammation.
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Posted by
Kristopher Foster on
May 11, 2006 08:47 PM
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The journal Arthritis and Rheumatology published the results of a trial in the spring of 2006 that made an association between Vitamin K status and the incidence of Osteoarthritis.
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Posted by
Kristopher Foster on
April 30, 2006 04:29 PM
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Few studies have investigated the interactive effects of calcium intake, exercise, and hormone therapy on osteoporosis. However, newer research reports that a combination of daily calcium intake and strength training exercise effectively prevents osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.
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Posted by
Kristopher Foster on
April 17, 2006 07:46 PM
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Previous studies have shown that calcium and vitamin D supplementation helps strengthen bones. Current research reports that calcium and vitamin D supplementation can lower the risk of hip fractures in women.
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Posted by
Kristopher Foster on
April 17, 2006 07:43 PM
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An article published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (2005;294:2587-2593) demonstrates that women undergoing radiation therapy for cancers are at an increased risk of pelvic fractures, like those of the hip.
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Posted by
Kristopher Foster on
April 17, 2006 07:36 PM
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The latest issue of the New England Journal of Medicine published a study that documented the treatment outcomes of individuals with knee pain specifically due to osteoarthritis. More than 1500 patients completed the trial.
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Posted by
Kristopher Foster on
April 11, 2006 10:21 AM
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As the incidence of osteoporosis in the US and other countries is on the rise, increasing evidence shows that nutritional status in childhood plays an important role.
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Posted by
Kristopher Foster on
April 11, 2006 10:04 AM
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There are several populations spread around the US who are at risk for fluoride poisoning due to naturally occurring fluoride in the drinking water. These individuals may consume 1-2 times the maximum amount considered safe by the EPA.
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Posted by
Kristopher Foster on
April 11, 2006 10:00 AM
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A recent study published in August 2005 measured the effects of calcium and vitamin D supplementation with or without risedronate. Risedronate is a commonly prescribed pharmaceutical for treating osteoporosis.
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Posted by
Kristopher Foster on
March 28, 2006 01:40 PM
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Your supplement program will be most effective if you follow these simple guidelines.
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Posted by
Kristopher Foster on
March 16, 2006 11:39 AM
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The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2005;82(3):700-706) published an article examining intake of dairy products, fruits and vegetables, in relation to bone mineral content in adolescents.
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Posted by
Kristopher Foster on
March 16, 2006 11:20 AM
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The Journal of Pediatrics published a study in June that examined the factors involved in bone mineral density status in adolescents with CP in cases with no known interventions in place.
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Posted by
Kristopher Foster on
March 8, 2006 03:31 PM
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A recent study out of Denmark investigated the effects that daily consumption of rose hips in powder form may have on the symptoms of osteoarthritis and use of medications such as NSAIDs.
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Posted by
Kristopher Foster on
March 7, 2006 09:54 AM
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Researchers investigated a possible association between bone mineral density and antioxidant and mineral status in the Women's Health Initiative Study.
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Posted by
Kristopher Foster on
March 7, 2006 09:33 AM
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Previous research has shown that calcium supplementation alone, and with Vitamin D, can improve bone mineral density in postmenopausal women. A new study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine in July investigated the effect, if any, of Vitamin D3 supplementation in African American postmenopausal women who are receiving adequate calcium.
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Posted by
Kristopher Foster on
March 7, 2006 08:56 AM
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A study published this January in the Gynecology and Endocrinology journal investigated the usefulness of a 24-hour urinary calcium.
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Posted by
Kristopher Foster on
March 6, 2006 10:10 AM
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A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2005;82(2):471-476) demonstrates that supplementing the diet with a combination of long and short chain inulin-like fructans (prebiotics) during puberty resulted in improved calcium absorption and increased bone mineral density of the whole body.
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Posted by
Kristopher Foster on
February 22, 2006 10:05 AM
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A study published in the Israel Medical Association Journal investigated the effects of balneotherapy and climatotherapy on Ankylosing spondyolitis (AS), a chronic progressive disease that affects the spine.
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Posted by
Kristopher Foster on
February 22, 2006 09:49 AM
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Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a disorder characterized by persistent fatigue accompanied with widespread musculoskeletal pain and stiffness. Now research reports that high free radical levels may be responsible for the development of fibromyalgia.
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Posted by
Kristopher Foster on
February 20, 2006 06:54 PM
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A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2005;82(2):451-455) shows that higher dietary intakes of B-cryptoxanthin is associated with decreased risk of developing inflammatory polyarthritis. B-cryptoxanthin is a carotenoid that has also shown a protective effect against developing RA in the large Iowa Women's Health Study.
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Posted by
Kristopher Foster on
February 20, 2006 06:27 PM
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A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2004;79(2):326-333) demonstrates that supplementation of isoflavones in peri- and postmenopausal women slows down bone loss, exerting a protective effect especially in the lumbar spine.
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Posted by
Kristopher Foster on
February 20, 2006 06:23 PM
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Glucosamine is a naturally occurring substance produced by the body, for the purpose of producing glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans, the key structural components of joint cartilage.
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Posted by
Kristopher Foster on
February 14, 2006 11:56 AM
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A review article published in Canadian Family Physician (2004;50:993-997) summarized the importance of Vitamin K in the prevention of osteoporotic fractures.
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Posted by
Kristopher Foster on
February 13, 2006 11:37 AM
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Previous short-term studies have found that calcium supplementation during childhood positively benefits bone mass. Now a long-term study reports that calcium supplementation increased the bone mass of prepubertal girls, helping protect against the risk of developing osteoporosis (a reduction in bone mineral density) later in life.
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Posted by
Kristopher Foster on
February 3, 2006 11:23 AM
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Vitamin D is widely known as an essential nutrient for bone density. However, there has been conflicting evidence of whether it is useful for prevention of fractures.
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Posted by
Kristopher Foster on
January 31, 2006 09:52 AM
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S-adenosyl methionine (SAMe), a naturally occurring physiological agent in the body, has been shown to have anti-arthritis effects in comparison studies with Non Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). Now, a comparison study with a cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor (celecoxib or Celebrex) reports that SAMe supplementation is equally effective in relieving osteoarthritis knee pain.
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Posted by
Kristopher Foster on
January 30, 2006 11:59 AM
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A preliminary study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (March 2, 2005 293(5):1082-1088) showed that supplementation with folate and Vitamin B12 can be beneficial in patients with stroke.
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Posted by
Kristopher Foster on
January 25, 2006 10:26 AM
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A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine measured the effects of a raw foods vegetarian diet on bone mineral density over a 3.6-year period.
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Posted by
Kristopher Foster on
January 25, 2006 09:16 AM
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A study published in the British Journal of Surgery in March measured the effects of calcium and vitamin D supplementation on serum markers of bone turnover and actual bone mineral density in the lumbar spine and hip.
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Posted by
Kristopher Foster on
January 25, 2006 09:06 AM
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A four year study examined the impact of omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids (both supplements and dietary sources) on bone mineral density.
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Posted by
Kristopher Foster on
January 25, 2006 08:55 AM
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The Journal of Rheumatology published a study in its July issue that examined the effect that dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) has on symptoms of fibromyalgia.
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Posted by
Kristopher Foster on
January 23, 2006 09:20 AM
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The study published in the December issue of the Journal of Rheumatology documented the effects of a low dose of folate in patients with rheumatoid arthritis being treated with methotrexate.
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Posted by
Kristopher Foster on
January 23, 2006 08:40 AM
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A Japanese study compared the rate of fractures in elderly individuals who had suffered a stroke; published in the March 2005 issue of JAMA.
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Posted by
Kristopher Foster on
January 18, 2006 10:01 AM
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A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition measured the effects of long-term supplementation on females from childhood to young adult hood.
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Posted by
Kristopher Foster on
January 18, 2006 09:27 AM
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