Current Health News Archives

"Start losing weight NOW. Just click on the tape measure. "

Current Health News: Smoking And The Flu

Smokers are more likely to die from influenza than nonsmokers (CDC). Children exposed to second-hand smoke become more ill when they have a respiratory virus.

It was presumed that smoke diminished the immune system's response to viruses, leaving people more likely to die from infection.

Now, a study has found that smoke can cause excess stimulation of inflammation reactions rather than suppression of the immune system.

In addition, when exposed to influenza viruses, the excess inflammatory responses lead to more severe damage than the viruses would cause otherwise.

In an animal study, mice were exposed to smoke from the equivalent of two cigarettes daily for two weeks.

When exposed to a flu virus model, the animals exposed to smoke cleared the virus normally, but suffered excessive inflammation (over-stimulated inflammatory pathways) and greater tissue damage including fibrosis and cellular death.

While this study is preliminary, it opens new doors to work with the permanent tissue damage and early deaths from smoking (Kang MJ, Cigarette smoke selectively enhances viral PAMP- and virus-induced pulmonary innate immune and remodeling responses in mice, Journal of Clinical Investigation, July 2008).

Can a green tea gargle reduce the risk of influenza?

Current Health News: Poor Quality Children's Food

Childhood obesity has more than doubled since 1976 (CDC) and yet food packaged for children still has poor quality nutrition.

According to a new study, 89% of children's food products exceed recommended levels for sugar, fat, or salt.

In a Canadian study, researchers chose 367 food products that promoted fun, cartoons, or children's movies and TV, buying them from a national supermarket chain.

Using internationally recognized nutritional criteria, they found that approximately 70% of the products exceeded recommended calories from sugar (even excluding candy, soft drinks, and bakery goods), 23% exceeded recommended calories from fat, and 17% exceeded recommended milligrams of sodium/salt.

Despite the excess sugar, fat, or sodium, 63% of these products presented a positive nutritional claim on their labels, such as low fat, whole grain, natural, or no artificial flavors (Elliott et al, Assessing 'fun foods': nutritional content and analysis of supermarket foods targeted at children, Obesity Reviews, 2008).

With over 35% of children in the United States, Canada, and Europe overweight, parents may want to avoid processed prepared foods, and high calorie fast foods, and try adding more low calorie fruits, and healthy low calorie vegetables to their children's diets.

When appropriate, they may want to include green tea at 0-2 calories per cup as part of a healthy diet.

Current Health News: Diabetes Triples The Risk Of Tuberculosis

Researchers have reviewed studies of 1.7 million people that included diabetes and tuberculosis.

Using meta-analysis, they found that diabetics showed an increased risk of active tuberculosis more than three times greater than non-diabetics. This was true regardless of the international population or the individual study design.

This work is considered preliminary and causality relationships between diabetes and active tuberculosis have not yet been determined.

Tuberculosis (TB), one of the greatest epidemics of mankind, is becoming increasingly difficult to manage because of drug resistance. Currently TB kills about 1.6 million people annually.

Diabetes, which affects about 24 million people in the United States (CDC, NDIC), has also increased from 30 million people to about 246 million people world-wide over the last two decades (International Diabetes Federation).

Here's information about green tea and tuberculosis.

Current Health News: Green Tea And Muscular Dystrophy Research

A new animal study tested exercise and green tea extract with muscular dystrophy.

Using young mdx mice, an animal model of muscular dystrophy, researchers added three weeks of endurance wheel-running exercise with normal diet or with added green tea extract.

Independent of the diet, the running program showed improved serum antioxidant capacity, heart citrate synthase, EDL tetanic stress and total contractile protein content, and heart and quadriceps beta-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase activities.

Independent of the running, added green tea extract showed improved antioxidant activity including reduced serum creatine kinase, heart and gastrocnemius lipid peroxidation, and increased gastrocnemius citrate synthase activity.

Average daily running increased 300% by the third week and the total distance was improved by 128% with green tea extract (Call JA, Endurance capacity in maturing mcs mice is markedly enhanced by combined voluntary wheel running and green tea extract, Journal Applied Physiology, June 2008).

Muscular dystrophy is a rare disease affecting 500 to 600 newborn males every year in the United States.

Here's more information about exercise program benefits

Current Health News: Not 42?

According the The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy, the answer is 42.

However, new research has discovered that half the answer is 143.

Chemists from Ohio have analyzed the scaffolding from 24 million organic compound molecules known to exist.

They found that 12 million of them had molecular shapes that could be described by just 143 structural frameworks.

They also found that a top heavy "power law" was associated with the minimized shapes. In other words, a small number of successful shapes appeared in a large number of compounds.

By identifying successful shapes researchers hope to reduce the labor involved in developing new chemical products (Lipkus AH, Structural Diversity of Organic Chemistry. A Scaffold Analysis of the CAS Registry, Journal Of Organic Chemistry, June 2008).

This message was brought to you by oceans that still have fish.

O.K., Douglas Adams, you're right..."A cup of tea would restore my normality."

According to a story in the Washington Post June 2 (also referring to the New York Times), Barak Obama, the Democratic candidate for the U.S. presidency in 2008, drinks green tea.

In fact, Obama loves green tea so much that his staff has been known to clean out stores of his favorite flavors during his primary campaign.

What's his favorite?

According to reports, he loves bottled green tea made by Honest Tea, a Maryland company specializing in organic tea.

His favorite used to be Community Green Tea. Then it was Green Dragon Tea. Now he's drinking Black Forest Berry.

Since the tea was hard to find everywhere in the U.S., the company owner has sold 40% of the company to Coca-Cola to assure distribution.

Green tea...a winner for 5000 years.

Current Health News: Some Drugs May Increase Risk Of Secondary Infections

Diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease may be treated with drugs including anti-TNF agents that suppress immunity.

These drugs have been associated with increased risk of tuberculosis, but now a new survey also shows increased risk of infection from invasive Staphylococcus aureus, histoplasmosis, and nontubercular mycobacteria.

Since risk of these other infections was greater than tuberculosis risk, researchers recommend improved pre-screening and follow-up with patients using anti-TNF agents (Winthrop KL, Mycobacterial and other serious infections in patients receiving anti-tumor necrosis factor and other newly approved biologic therapies: case finding through the Emerging Infections Network, Clinical Infectious Diseases, June 2008).

Current Health News: Addictions In The Matrix

Scientists have found a new way to help people with addictions.

They put the addictions into a virtual reality world.

Whether it's drugs, alcohol, violence, smoking, overweight, or just chocolate, people struggle to develop real world skills that will help them stop addictive behavior.

Most therapy involves identifying problem areas and practicing better solutions through imagination, hypnosis, or real-world challenges.

Now, scientists have developed virtual reality environments for smoking, cocaine, and alcohol, as well as fear of heights, flying, and public speaking, that effectively create strong emotions or cravings so the patient can practice new coping skills. The virtual reality programs use real actors in multiple stressful situations and include olfactory stimuli (Bordnick P, Assessing reactivity to virtual reality alcohol based cues, Addictive Behaviors, June 2008).

OK. Time to give up that chocolate truffle. And that chocolate truffle. Oh-oh, must be déjà vu.

Current Health News: Younger Women Having More Strokes

Indicators point to obesity as the cause of a startling increase in strokes in women aged 35 to 54 in the United States.

Surveys from 1988 to 1994 showed only one-half percent stroke rate and a new survey from 1999 to 2004 shows a 2% stroke rate in this age group, over triple the previous rate.

Women between age 45 to 54 also had over double the risk of stroke as men in the same age group.

Independent risk factors were heart disease and an increase in waist circumference fat. Women's waistlines have increased almost two inches over the last decade.

Other risk factors included high blood pressure and high cholesterol (Towfighi A, Neurology, 2007).

Over the last decade, not only have women's waistlines increased but their weight/height ratio (body mass index or BMI) has also increased, along with blood sugar levels.

Overweight and obesity open the door for increased strokes, heart disease, diabetes, and cancers. Losing weight can lower the risk of these diseases.

Here's more information about stroke prevention.

Current Health News: Honey For Childhood Coughs

A new study has found a small dose of buckwheat honey is more effective for relief of children's nighttime coughing than an over-the-counter cough suppressant.

In a small study, researchers at Penn State College of Medicine studied 105 children with upper respiratory infection nighttime coughing. They provided a single dose of buckwheat honey, honey-flavored dextromethorphan cough suppressant, compared to no treatment being given 30 minutes before bedtime.

Parents reported significantly less nighttime coughing for their children with the buckwheat honey.

In this study, dextromethorphan (DM) used in over-the-counter cold medications, did not provide significantly better results than no treatment at all (Paul IM, Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, 2007).

Some agencies recommend caution using over-the-counter medications with children younger than 6 years old.

Honey, on the other hand, is generally recognized as safe for almost all children.

For additional help during cold season, check out this information about green tea gargle and flu prevention.

Recent work with EGCG, the primary polyphenol antioxidant of green tea has shown remarkable protection against arthritis.

Using fibroblast cells from the damaged joints of rheumatoid arthritis patients, researchers found that exposure to EGCG from green tea blocks chemicals that can cause bone damage.

At higher doses, EGCG blocked production from the following inflammatory molecules involved in rheumatoid arthritic disease: interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta)-induced production of RANTES (CCL5), epithelial neutrophil-activating peptide 78 (ENA-78/CXCL5), growth-regulated oncogene alpha (GROalpha/CXCL1), and IL-1beta-induced MMP-2 activity. It reduced monocyte chemo-attractant protein 1 (MCP-1/CCL2) by 48%.

Lower doses only reduced these chemicals. EGCG was nontoxic to the living fibroblast cells even at higher doses (Ahmed S, Arthritis Rheum, 2006).

Other green tea studies have found significant prevention of arthritis in animals.

Cell studies like the above are considered preliminary.

The CDC, 2003 report says rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis affect 46 million (21.6% of adults) in the United States alone. As baby boomers age, this number may double. The annual cost of arthritis is $128 billion for the United States (direct plus indirect costs).

Some tea researchers relate their experimental design to people drinking about four 8-ounce cups of green tea throughout the day.

Four cups of green tea daily costs less than $10 a month in the United States.

Current Health News: Are Anti-Drinking Ads Too Much Fun?

Many anti-drinking advertising campaigns emphasize the problems with becoming drunk. They show young people being thrown out of popular clubs, falling down drunk in public, and being carried home.

Unfortunately, these ads seem to enhance the social status of this level of drinking rather than stop it.

A three year study of young people's responses to the social consequences of becoming drunk has just been concluded.

Instead of interpreting the ads as cautions against drinking alcohol, young people tend to interpret them as desirable goals. Getting thrown out of a nightclub becomes a mark of personal esteem and pride. Extreme drinking becomes a show of strength.

At the same time, young people report the knowledge that drinking can have harmful physical consequences. But they interpret the social events shown in the anti-drinking ads as inconsequential escapades (Griffin C, University of Bath, 2007).

There is no question that alcoholism is deadly rather than fun. The hazardous effects of alcohol on the human brain, liver, other organs, and total health are well-documented. Other reasons to carefully control alcohol intake include the high calorie count.

But what can be offered to replace excessive alcohol drinking?

Throughout history, tea has been offered as a reliable substitute for alcohol addiction. Green tea has a safety record spanning almost 5000 years, is psychologically satisfying, and has broad-spectrum health benefits according to research.

Because the experience of tea changes with every harvest and every preparation, it offers endless variety and opportunities to acquire a healthy habit rather than a destructive addiction like alcoholism.

A mini stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) is usually felt as a temporary disturbance or weakening of one side of the face or one side of the face and the same side arm.

Mini strokes are a sign of circulatory problems in the brain and increase the probability of future mini strokes or TIAs, or even a major stroke in the near future.

A new study from the University of Manchester has found that people experiencing mini strokes need to receive a complete examination by a specialist within a few days.

Even waiting two weeks after the mini stroke can increase the risk of life-threatening strokes (Smith C, Journal Neurology Neurosurgery Psychiatry, 2007).

The risk of a major stroke within a week of the initial mini stroke can be as high as 10%.

Here's more on seven stroke warning signs and stroke prevention.

Current Health News: Improving protection against E. coli and Listeria

Industrialized societies are always looking for better ways to protect food from contamination, but would you have suspected adding jasmine tea and wildflower honey would help?

Researchers have now found that either jasmine or green tea mixed with honey and sprayed on meat products will reduce both Listeria by up to 20% and E. coli 0157 on turkey breast slices and hot dogs.

And when the hot dogs had already been pretreated with sodium lactate, potassium lactate, and sodium diacetate, there was a synergistic effect with the tea and honey spray that kept bacterial contamination lower even 14 days later (Fung D, Food Safety Consortium, 2007).

These studies are preliminary and need further review before widespread implementation.

But the benefits from improved food protection techniques could be great.

E. coli contamination has caused approximately 73,000 illnesses annually and cost over $400 million for health care, not including the economic cost of product recalls. Listeria accounts for the majority of deaths annually from contaminated food in the U. S. (CDC).

Here's more on food poisoning protection.

Current Health News: New Research On Veteran's PTSD

PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder is part of the diagnosis of many injured veterans.

This mental health disorder is characterized by debilitating fear, insomnia, persistent memories and flashbacks, and chronic stress.

It reduces normal functioning in society and can become dangerous.

It has also been difficult to diagnose, monitor, and treat.

Researchers at Emory University are working with veterans with PTSD. They measured fear by the startle response, indicated by blinking the eye when a blast of air suddenly hits the throat. Normal people were startled when the blast of air hit them and calm when it did not.

But veterans with PTSD were unable to change their startle response when they were presented with safe conditions.

This test for abnormal fear regulation may prove to be a useful biomarker for PTSD and a way of monitoring the efficacy of treatment programs (Davis M, Neuroscience, 2007).

Want to watch the lipid flip in real time?

Researchers have developed new laboratory techniques that will help (Sidorov V, ACS Bioconjugate Chemistry, 2007).

The lipid flip, as complicated as a dance or gymnastic routine, is the process that a fat or lipid uses to go through a cell membrane while entering a cell.

The lipid flip is involved in most cellular activities. Greater knowledge of the lipid flip could help Alzheimer's, cancer, and heart disease research.

The research in the above report concentrates on lipid-flipping enzymes: the flippases, the flopases, and the unforgettable scramblases.

And you thought scientists didn't know how to have fun at work.

As more people live longer, they may acquire more than one age-related disease.

Seeking treatment, they can end up taking more than four different prescription medications, a situation known as polypharmacy.

There are potential problems from polypharmacy, mostly based on insufficient communication.

Since drugs can interact with each other or create side effects by themselves, it is very important that people keep track of their medications and discuss their whole program with their physician.

Older people are particularly vulnerable. Up to 20% of nursing home patients have, at times, received over 10 medications daily (Bernabei R, Journal of Gerontology, 1999).

Drug interactions and inappropriate usage have led to increased adverse events, hospitalizations, and deaths (Stern M, Weill Cornell Medical Center, 2007).

People who use prescription drugs should learn about side effects and interactions, and discuss their programs with their licensed health care providers. Second opinions may be advantageous.

And most important, keep in mind that old truism "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

When there's more smog, there are more fatal heart attacks and strokes.

A new study has identified a primary metabolic pathway that can start these fatal reactions.

Tiny particles in smog from diesel and coal burning, among others, are called particulate matter air pollution. When inhaled, these tiny particles inflame the lungs.

The inflamed lungs secrete interleukin-6 which causes blood clots in vulnerable people, leading to fatal heart attacks or strokes.

Researchers at Northwestern University exposed mice to particulate smog pollution and found a 15-fold increase in the secretion of interleukin-6 within 24 hours (Mutlu GM, Journal Clinical Investigation, 2007).

Green tea may help.

Several studies have shown that green tea reduces interleukin-6 reactions. One study showed that mice given EGCG, the primary polyphenol catechin from green tea, had less interleukin-6 production, and less heart damage (Aneja R, Molecular Medicine, 2004).

Research also shows tea can prevent up to 75% of strokes.

Most large cities have substantial levels of particulate smog. The air near roads can also be high in particulate matter air pollution. Staying indoors helps reduce exposure.

Is vampire bat saliva in your future?

Researchers at Cleveland Clinic, Ohio, are testing Desmoteplase, a clot-dissolving chemical from vampire bat saliva that may help cerebrovascular stroke victims.

They hope to learn if using the bat saliva chemical within a 3-hour window immediately after the occurrence of a stroke will help prevent future disabilities.

Do you know the Seven Stroke Warning Signs?

Up to 30% of stroke victims become disabled permanently, making stroke the top cause of adult disability in the United States.

But drinking daily tea may help prevent strokes before they happen, as well as dramatically reducing brain damage from strokes.

Human studies show up to 75% fewer strokes among people who drink 5 cups of tea daily, and animal research shows up to 80% less brain damage with tea or EGCG, the primary catechin polyphenol from green tea (green tea stroke studies).

A new study in the U.S. Journal of the National Cancer Institute (Albano JD, 2007) shows correlations between educational level, gender, race, and cancer survival rates.

Researchers reviewed death certificates from 47 states plus the District of Columbia for all people aged 25-64 for the year 2001. They found the greatest cancer survival rate differences between those who stopped with high school (12 years education) and those who went on to college (more than 12 years education).

People who went on to college survived longer.

While there were racial differences in the results, this is usually attributed to the socio-economic disparity that is associated with educational levels.

This study is considered preliminary for several reasons. Most prostate cancer occurs in men over age 64, and breast cancer in the U.S. has decreased since 2002 when hormone replacement therapy was decreased. These two groups are not part of the data of this study.

So, take out those student loans, hit the books, and live longer.

You're investing in your brain and your body.

Return from Current Health News to Green Tea Health News Home

Look for current health news in these topics:

Lose Weight In 2008 | Green Tea And Exercise Fitness | Blast That Belly Fat | Belly Fat Research | Your Fitness Program Benefits | The Ultimate Anti-aging Diet | Exercise And Fitness News | Weight Loss News Updates | Nutrition News | Useful Tips For Counting Daily Calories | Anti-aging Research | Maximum Fat Burning | Best Belly Fat Diet


Other current health news archives:

Daily Health News | Odds and Ends | Breast Cancer News | Prostate Cancer News | Fitness News | Cholesterol News | Tea News | Weight Loss News | World Health News | Nutrition News | Other Cancer News | Heart News | HIV/AIDS News | Antiaging Health News | Health And Belly Fat News | Fast Food Nutrition News | Asbestos News | Healthy Fruit | EGCG Research | Stroke Research | Mesothelioma Research | Prostate Cancer Diet Updates


Dragon Well Tea | Mao Feng Tea | Matcha Tea | Gunpowder Green Tea | Pi Lo Chun Tea | Gyokuro Tea | Lu shan Yun Wu Tea | Japanese Sencha Tea | Lu An Melon Seed Tea | Jasmine Tea |Blooming Tea | Chun Mee Tea