Dr.
Cass on "The View"
On March 9 Dr. Cass appeared on ABC-TV’s
The View in a special segment titled “Understanding,
Treating and Living With Depression." Watch Dr.
Cass and guest host Rosie O'Donnell discuss natural treatments
for depression: Click
to view segment
Dr. Cass's Response
to the recent Antioxidant Controversy
See Dr. Cass's response to the recent
antioxidant controversy (see article below) on television
news: Click
to view segment
Mortality
in Randomized Trials of Antioxidant Supplements for Primary
and Secondary Prevention: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Bjelakovic et al., February 28,
2007, Vol. 297, No. 8, JAMA
Background:
A new meta-analysis examining the effect of antioxidant supplements
and all-cause mortality was published Feb. 28, 2007 in the
Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).
The authors of the analysis conclude that “treatment
with beta-carotene, vitamin A, and vitamin E may increase
mortality.” The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN)
finds this conclusion unfounded, inappropriate and not relevant
to consumers who regularly use antioxidant supplements to
maintain health.
-
There is a large body of data,
including observational studies and randomized clinical
trials, which show that supplemental antioxidants provide
a number of health benefits (including reduced risk for
cardiovascular disease and some cancers, immune support
and reduced progression of eye disease). This meta-analysis,
which seems to be a predetermined conclusion in
search of a method to support it, will inappropriately
confuse and alarm consumers who can benefit from
supplementing with antioxidants.
-
The conclusions from this meta-analysis
should not be generalized to a healthy population. The
overwhelming majority of the clinical trials included
in the meta-analysis focused on “secondary
prevention” (i.e., treatment) in patients who already
had serious illnesses such as cancer, cardiovascular disease,
liver disease, etc., and therefore the results
are not applicable to the general healthy population who
take antioxidant supplements as part of the lifestyle
choices they make to maintain and promote good health.
-
This meta-analysis used methods
which raise questions as to the validity of the results.
- Meta-analyses can be useful and
valid when the included studies are very similar in design
and study population. However, this meta-analysis combined
studies that differ vastly from each other in a number of
important ways.
- This meta-analysis included
clinical trials that varied widely in terms of dosage,
duration, study population and nutrients tested. For
example, a study lasting one-day with a vitamin
A dose of 200,000 IU in elderly nursing home residents
was included along with other studies lasting years.
- Many of the clinical trials
included in the analysis tested other nutrients beyond
those that were the focus of the article (vitamins A,
C, and E; beta-carotene, selenium), including lutein
and zinc. Therefore, it is difficult to interpret the
findings of the study.
The clinical trials, which overwhelmingly focused
on secondary prevention, may have statistically
skewed the results. Mixing secondary prevention and
primary prevention trials and then making conclusions
for the entire population is an unsound scientific approach.
- Overall, the study authors
conclude that there was no effect of antioxidant supplements
on all-cause mortality. Only after the researchers divided
the chosen clinical trials into “high risk bias”
and “low risk bias” groups, using their
own criteria, did they observe a statistically significant
effect on mortality.
- The study’s conclusions
are in direct conflict with a 2006 report from Johns Hopkins
University which concluded “we find no convincing
evidence to suggest vitamin E supplement use increases the
risk of death per se.”
- The study authors acknowledge
that their results are in conflict with observational studies
that have shown beneficial effects of supplemental antioxidants;
these studies (both retrospective and prospective in nature)
have examined primary
prevention (or risk reduction) in healthy populations,
not treatment of sick patients.
-
The meaning and relevance
of all-cause mortality is unclear, even to the study authors.
In a literal sense it means death from any and all causes,
including accidents. The study authors acknowledge not
knowing what the actual causes of death may have been
in the individuals in the trials. This absence of information
raises doubt about the validity and relevance of their
findings.
-
Healthy consumers can
feel confident in continuing to take antioxidant supplements
for the benefits they provide. Consumers with serious
illnesses, such as cancer, heart disease, liver disease,
etc., should consult with their physician on anything
they put into their body. This meta-analysis does nothing
to change those facts.
Calcium and Vitamin
D for Osteoporosis: Do they work, or don't they?
A recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine
appeared to disprove the benefits of calcium and vitamin D
supplementation in preventing fractures in post-menopausal
women, despite the large body of scientific evidence and the
prevailing wisdom about the benefits of these two nutrients.
However, even the article itself concluded that they likely
used too low a dose of vitamin D, which should be at least
600 IU and even, in my opinion, 1000 IU daily for effectiveness.
Order
Vitamin D3. To build a strong bone matrix, you also need
to add magnesium and boron to the mix. In addition, the latest
research shows that the mineral, Strontium,
is a great bone-builder, as I describe in 8
Weeks to Vibrant Health.
OsteoPhase®
and Enhanced Bone Health
Now, saving the best for last: I recently discovered OsteoPhase,
a unique proprietary blend of herbal extracts and peptides
that supports healthy bone structure and calcium homeostasis.
It's designed to aid in supporting healthy bone mass, not
simply by increasing calcium intake, but by restoring calcium
balance (read more below about how OsteoPhase supports healthy
bones while reversing bone decay).
For my women patients concerned about their bone health,
I prescribe it all: a calcium/magnesium/vit D/boron formula,
plus separate strontium and OsteoPhase. Order
OsteoPhase Now….
Vitamin
E: Is it good for you? Or as a recent study seemed to say,
is it bad for you?
Clearly the majority of studies on Vitamin E show it to be
essential to our health, and the most effective form, and
the one that I recommend for my patients, is the mixture of
natural tocopherols and tocotrienols. Natural vitamin E the
body’s premier lipid phase antioxidant is two to five
times more bioavailable than synthetic vitamin E. Mixed tocopherols
and tocotrienols are helpful in quenching free radicals in
the brain cells. Tocotrienols are a powerful vitamin E fraction
that may be 40 times more potent than an equivalent amount
of standard vitamin E. Recommended dosage: One to two capsules
per day. Click here for source of Natural
Vitamin E….
Spring
Renewal
This is a good time to re-evaluate your health, lifestyle,
and supplement regimen. As you know, I have several products
that I developed myself, based on my clinical research with
my own patients - CALM, ENERGY, FOCUS, Weight Management Formula,
and CelluDetox. Here are some of the benefits you can expect
from these unique formulations:
CALM is useful to handle those stressful
days, chill after a long hard day; or to smooth the transition
for those individuals who are transitioning from tranquilizing
medications. Take 1-2 caps twice daily.
ENERGY helps boost your mind and body
energy as a healthy substitute for caffeine, restoring your
"feel-good" brain chemicals as well as your adrenals
which are so often burned out by stress. Take 1-2 caps throughout
the day as needed.
FOCUS has become very popular for children,
teens, and adults who need to sharpen their attention and
concentration, without the use of stimulant medication which
can have serious side effects. A side benefit: FOCUS Formula
is also a great mood enhancer!
Weight Management formula does quadruple
duty to help control appetite while boosting your mood and
energy levels at the same time! Weight Management contains
energizers, fat burners, blood sugar balancers, and appetite
suppressors- all safe, natural,and stimulant-free.
CelluDetox is a great accompaniment to
any weight loss program. It contains a group of nutrients
shown to help to remove the toxins released by fat cells,
including those that produce unsightly cellulite, and promote
their breakdown in the liver.
Order
CALM, ENERGY, FOCUS,
Weight Management or CelluDetox
now…
Natural
Relief for Spring Allergy Miseries
 Spring
is here and for 50 million Americans that means allergy season
is back. And those living in areas inundated with unusually
heavy rainstorms face what some allergy researchers predict
will be “one of the most horrific allergy seasons in history.”
On the West coast allergy doctors and pharmacists already
report a sharp increase in the number of patients complaining
of weed and grass allergies -- which typically don't show
up until summer or fall -- and it's only going to get worse
as more people head outdoors after being cooped up. According
to Tom Male, a pharmacy consultant in San Francisco, "As
it gets gradually warmer we're going to see a lot of folks
in here. Just today we're already seeing folks coming in and
getting eye drops and nasal sprays."
For those looking for safe and effective allergy relief,
AllerPhase®
is the natural choice. This unique herbal formula has been
especially designed for individuals sensitive to seasonal
and perennial pollens, house dust, molds, pet dander, foods
and chemical pollutants. And while AllerPhase promotes and
supports healthy respiratory function it also supports the
immune system to resolve seasonal imbalances and reduce the
potential for allergic reactions.
Order
AllerPhase Now…
Bone Drugs
Linked to Alarming Destruction of Jaw Bone
Since 2001, more than 2,400 patients taking Fosamax and other
bone-building medications like it have reported bone death
in their jaws, mostly after a minor trauma such as getting
a tooth extracted. Most were taking especially potent, intravenously
delivered versions of these drugs, which are known as bisphosphonates.
An additional 120 people who were taking bisphosphonates
in pill form to prevent bone thinning have been stricken with
such incapacitating bone, joint or muscle pain that some were
bedridden and others required walkers, crutches or wheelchairs.
The incidence of both these complications is minuscule in
comparison with the millions of people taking these medications.
More than 36 million prescriptions for oral bisphosphonates,
such as Actonel, Fosamax and Boniva,
were dispensed in 2005, according to IMS Health, a pharmaceutical
information and consulting company. Nearly 3 million cancer
patients have been treated with intravenous versions of the
medications.
But because at least
90% of drug side effects
aren't reported to the Food and Drug Administration,
the real number of people stricken with jaw necrosis
and other side effects could be higher.
"We've
uncovered about 1,000 patients [with jaw necrosis] in the
past six to nine months alone, so the magnitude of the problem
is just starting to be recognized," says Kenneth M. Hargreaves,
chair of the endodontics department at the University of Texas
Health Science Center in San Antonio.
The rare side effect, called osteonecrosis of the jaw, causes
severe infections, swelling and the loosening of teeth. Patients
often require long-term antibiotic therapy or surgery to remove
the dying bone tissue.
With concern growing over the possible side effect, the
American Assn. of Endodontists released a position statement
on the problem. "Until further information is available,
it would appear prudent to consider all patients taking bisphosphonates
to be at some risk," the group said.
OsteoPhase Safely Supports
Bone Health, Reverses Bone Decay
OsteoPhase®
is a unique nutritional formula containing a proprietary blend
of herbal extracts and peptides that have been studied for
their role in supporting healthy bone structure and calcium
homeostasis. OsteoPhase was designed
to aid in supporting healthy bone mass by restoring calcium
balance, not by increasing calcium intake
Additionally, the herbs contained in OsteoPhase
are widely used in Chinese hospitals to treat Avascular Necrosis,
a severe disorder related to osteoporosis. Avascular Necrosis
disrupts circulation to the head of the femur, causing tissue
death and the eventual collapse of the hip bone structure.
Researchers in Beijing treated 1,286 Avascular Necrosis patients,
of which chronic steroid use was a predisposing factor for
669 (52%) of the patients. In clinical reports of treatment
of the disorder with the herbs contained in OsteoPhase,
90% of patients showed improvement in alleviating symptoms
of pain and stiffness, and partial reversal of bone deterioration
was observed by x-ray.
Order
OsteoPhase Now…
Flu
Shots? Natural Remedies?
On the home front, the cold and flu season is starting. As
we head indoors to the closed confines of offices, classrooms
and homes, our chances of catching a cold, flu or other human-transmitted
infection increase dramatically. In addition, my patients,
readers, and friends, worried about the ‘bird flu’
reports, are asking me what I think about flu vaccines, and
other modes to protect themselves and their loved ones. After
much research into the issue, here’s what I have come
up with.
Should I be worried about the avian (bird) flu?
Despite dire government warnings, (as in President Bush’s
telling us a minimum of 200,000 people will die from the avian
flu pandemic but it could be as bad as 2 million deaths in
this country alone) it’s unlikely that the bird flu
will affect human beings on the scale predicted. On the other
hand, it’s best to protect yourself in the safest and
most effective way possible.
Read
more about how the U.S. working on plans to designate who
cares for the sick
Should I get the flu vaccine?
You can decide for yourself, but I have never had or recommended
flu shots for the following reasons: Last year’s vaccine
won’t protect against this year’s virus, covering
only a few strains of those, at that. So the flu shot available
now (i.e. last year’s strains) is in no way designed
to protect you against bird flu (Avian flu is H5N1). Moreover,
there are risks and side effects from any flu vaccine, from
the toxic preservatives to the risks of lowering your immune
system.
Even an AMA journal has expressed doubts. An article in the
Feb 05 Archives of Internal Medicine concludes that flu shots
may prevent far fewer deaths in the elderly than previously
thought. The report highlights that although immunization
rates in the elderly (people over 65) have increased 50 percent
in the past 20 years, there has not be a consequent decline
in flu-related deaths.
For
details: Arch Intern Med. 2005;165:265-272
What about taking the drug, Tamiflu?
Tamiflu, at $100 per dose, does not treat the avian flu,
but only decreases the amount of days one is sick --and can
actually contribute to the virus having more lethal mutations.Are
there natural means to prevent the flu, including avian flu?
Absolutely! Prevention, first of all, requires a healthy immune
system. In 8 Weeks to Vibrant Health I discuss healthy diet
and lifestyle, including drinking enough pure water, doing
daily exercise and getting sufficient sleep.
In addition, Nature provides us with miraculous resources
to boost our immune system. I've been introducing my patients
to a new herbal cold and flu formula that has already demonstrated
its impressive anti-viral effects. It was used during the
SARS epidemic in China to protect health-case workers exposed
to infected patients, since up to 25% of all cases were the
very doctors and nurses caring for the ill. Not only did none
of the 40,000 workers who took the formula catch the disease,
but they also showed a boost in their overall immune function.
Read more from "8
Weeks to Vibrant Health"…
Anti-Viral Formula now Available in the United States
Developed by renowned Chinese researcher, Dr. Dexin Yan,
this single formula is now available in the U.S. as ImmunoPhase.
Unlike over-the-counter cold and flu medications that cover
up and/or suppress the miserable symptoms of a cold or flu,
ImmunoPhase offers a powerful, proactive response to colds
and flu. By enhancing the immune system during the first signs
of infection, ImmunoPhase aids in repelling the virus before
it has a chance to spread. And in addition to being highly
effective at preventing illness when taken at the first signs
of an impending cold or flu, ImmunoPhase has also been shown
to relieve symptoms and enhance the immune system for a more
rapid recovery when taken after you have already caught a
cold or flu.
ImmunoPhase™ is completely free of side effects and
does not cause drowsiness or otherwise impair function. Since
the formula is stimulant-free its use does not contribute
to irritability, impair sleep or interfere with blood pressure
medications.
DOSE: Adults: At the first signs of a cold
or flu, take two capsules every 2-3 hours for a maximum of
10 daily.
Children age 6-12: Take one capsule every
3 hours at the first sign of a cold or flu for a maximum of
6 daily.
When taken after cold or flu have already developed, continue
with the recommended dosage to reduce symptoms and speed recovery.
Read
more about ImmunoPhase…
Order
ImmunoPhase Now…
FDA
Warning: Antidepressant Drugs and Children
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently mandated
a special warning on certain antidepressant drugs that can
cause increased suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children
and adolescents. It’s about time! Vastly over-prescribed,
these potent medications can often be replaced with an adjustment
to the child's diet and supplement intake. This will often
do the trick — safely, effectively, and with none of
the dangerous side effects of the drugs
For more information on this growing problem please read
the following reports:
In my own practice, I recommend supplements such as amino
acids, herbs, vitamins and minerals that safely and effectively
raise mood without the potentially dangerous side effects
of the drugs.
If your child is taking an antidepressant, speak to your
physician about natural alternatives. Do not stop any medication
abruptly. This can cause a withdrawal syndrome. Educate yourself
by reading “Natural Highs” and other resources
such as http://www.alternativementalhealth.com.
Despite my conservative position on the use of antidepressants,
there are occasions where I will prescribe medication –
the appropriate one, in the lowest possible dose, for the
least possible time, and accompanied by a healthy diet and
specific supporting supplements.
>>
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Inflammation:
Natural Treatments vs Prescription Meds
From statin drugs such as Baycol, to antidepressants
and anti-inflammatories, we are seeing far too much damage
from the use of prescription medications, as the FDA has finally
acknowledged. Bextra (valdecoxib) has now joined
Vioxx (rofecoxib) on the growing list of Cox-2 drugs
being removed from the market in light of serious health concerns.
The FDA is also requiring that all prescription anti-inflammatory
medicines include additional information about increased cardiovascular
and gastrointestinal risks. The FDA is also asking all the
manufacturers of over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs (NSAIDs) to revise their labels to include more information
on cardiovascular and gastrointestinal risks.
In “8 Weeks to Vibrant Health” I address the
inflammatory process and explain how to prevent and treat
inflammation naturally. Here is a list of effective, side-effect-free,
natural alternatives that I frequently recommend to my patients:
- Omega 3 Fish
Oil - More than 25 years ago, epidemiological data on
Greenland Eskimos triggered a spate of research into the
role of essential fatty acids contained in fish oils. Today,
the benefits of eating fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids
are well established. Additionally, a large body of research
suggests that consuming fish oil capsules can aid in reducing
the symptoms of systemic lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Serrapeptase
- Patients concerned about being at increased risk of heart
attack or stroke from their use of Vioxx will be relieved
to learn that this risk dissipates quickly after discontinuing
the medication. And while there is no clear evidence of
a need for conventional anticoagulant therapy, the addition
of clot-busting supplements, such as serrapeptase, might
be considered. Serrapeptase, an enzyme derived from silkworms,
has been shown to reduce inflammation and pain. Noted German
physician Hans Nieper, MD, believed that in addition to
its other health properties, serrapeptase can stimulate
plaque regression.
- Digestive
Enzymes - In Europe, people commonly take proteolytic
enzymes (normally used to aid in the digestion of food)
to promote healing from inflammatory conditions and sports
injuries. Anecdotally, we know that when these enzymes are
taken on an empty stomach they have the ability to relieve
pain, inflammation and swelling. Recently, a double-blind
prospective study compared the use of an oral enzyme combination
(consisting of rutosid, bromelain, and trypsin) to a conventional
prescription NSAID, diclofenac, available in various prescription
brand names. The results of the study revealed that the
oral enzyme combination was at least as good, if not better,
than diclofenac at providing pain relief, and without the
side effects of an NSAID.
- SAMe
- In one fascinating study researchers compared S-adenosyl-methionine
(SAMe) to the COX-2 inhibitor, Celebrex®. People reported
significant pain relief from Celebrex® at the end of
one month. However, by the end of the second month users
of SAMe reported significant pain relief. It may be worth
waiting the extra time to experience pain relief from SAMe,
since SAMe has few reported side effects and many additional
health benefits.
>>
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Renowned
Researchers, Doctors
Challenge Recent Study and Say
"Keep Taking Vitamin E"
New Web Site Provides Clarity for Consumers on Vitamin
E's Proven Health Benefits
November 18, 2004
"To E or not to E," a question prompted by a controversial
analysis released last week, is addressed by leading researchers
and physicians who recommend that Americans keep taking vitamin
E supplements in recommended amounts for overall health benefits.
These researchers, physicians and health officials have voiced
concern and even outrage regarding a "meta-analysis"
suggesting that high-dose vitamin E supplements "may
increase risk of dying" among older, high-risk patients.
The Dietary Supplement Information Bureau (DSIB) has launched
a new Web site - www.vitaminEfacts.org
- to help consumers obtain accurate information on vitamin
E. Visitors will find referenced materials to help them understand
the analysis generating news headlines and facts on why vitamin
E is safe and beneficial.
DSIB Scientific Advisory Board members were quick to respond
to the issues raised in the study:
"This meta-analysis, a study of other studies published
during the last 11 years, concludes there may be a very small
increase in mortality associated with high dose vitamin E
supplements. However, these results were generated from clinical
trials of patients sick with chronic diseases or at very high
risk of such conditions and cannot be extrapolated to generally
healthy people looking to promote their health and prevent
disease. It is important to appreciate that these researchers
examined only 19 clinical trials comprised of 135,000 patients
and did not investigate at all dozens of observational studies
involving millions of people that show vitamin E supplementation
can be beneficial and completely safe," explains Dr.
Jeffrey Blumberg, a professor of nutrition at Tufts University.
Dr. Ronald Watson, professor in the College of Public Health
and School of Medicine at the University of Arizona, who is
currently editing an encyclopedia on vitamin E says, "We
have carefully reviewed almost 100 articles about vitamin
E, its benefits, activity, etc. There is almost no evidence
of toxicity or adverse effects in doses used by the average
American. In fact multitudinous animal and human studies proclaim
it has limited toxicity and significant benefits. The huge
amounts of data and studies on vitamin E suggest that it should
be considered in supplement programs to promote health, especially
in seniors."
When asked if consumers should continue taking vitamin E,
Dr. Maret Traber, a vitamin E expert at the Linus Pauling
Institute at Oregon State University stated, "Absolutely
yes."
The Web site www.vitaminEfacts.org
provides:
- Reviews of the meta-analysis describing major flaws in
methodology and conclusions presented
- A vitamin E safety fact sheet from the government's National
Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements
- Advice from physicians and researchers indicating that
consumers can feel confident in benefiting from the typical
supplement of 400 IU of vitamin E each day
Consumers like Sharon Gross, a 57 year-old pre-school director
from Chicago, found the new Web site to be useful. "I've
been taking vitamin E supplements for years and was ready
to stop when I saw the reports on TV. But, when I learned
that this so-called meta-analysis was done with people who
were already very sick to begin with, and that the individual
studies still showed health benefits, it restored my faith
and I'm still going to take my E each day."
DSIB has readily available to the media a number of scientific
experts to answer questions on vitamin E's safety and benefits:
- David Heber, M.D., Ph.D. - director of the UCLA Center
for Human Nutrition and chief of the division of Clinical
Nutrition in the Department of Medicine at the University
of California, Los Angeles.
- Jeffrey Blumberg, Ph.D. - professor in the Friedman School
of Nutrition Science and Policy and the associate director
of the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on
Aging at Tufts University , Boston.
- Kenneth Cooper, M.D., M.P.H. - president and founder,
The Cooper Aerobics Center and "father of aerobics".
- Michael Gaziano, M.D., M.P.H. - associate professor of
Medicine, Harvard Medical School.
- Lester Packer, Ph.D. - one of the world's leading researchers
on natural antioxidants. Research conducted in his laboratory
led to the discovery of the Antioxidant Network.
- Barbara Levine R.D., Ph.D. - director of the Human Nutrition
Program at The Rockefeller University and the director of
the Nutrition Information Center at Weill Medical College
of Cornell University-New York Presbyterian Hospital and
Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
- Maret Trabor, Ph.D. - principal investigator for the Linus
Pauling Institute and professor in the College of Health
and Human Sciences at Oregon State University.
- Ron Watson, Ph.D. - professor of Public Health and Family
and Community Medicine at the University of Arizona Medical
School.
For more information, or to schedule an interview call Deb
Knowles at 941-349-9044 or Bree Flammini at 202.326.1763.
The Dietary Supplement Information Bureau (DSIB) was created
to provide accurate information about vitamins, minerals,
herbs and other supplements for consumers and the professional
healthcare community. The DSIB Scientific Advisory Board comprises
nationally-recognized physicians and researchers who are experts
in dietary supplements. For more information, see the DSIB
Web site at www.supplementinfo.org.
>>
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