Previous case-control studies suggest that diets high in soy foods rich in isoflavones may reduce the risk of lung cancer. Now for the first time a large prospective cohort study reports that soy isoflavone intake may reduce the risk of lung cancer. A prospective cohort study follows a group of similar individuals ('cohort') who differ with respect to certain characteristics and compares them for a particular outcome.
The prospective study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, examined the association between soy isoflavone consumption and lung cancer. Researchers at the National Cancer Center in Tokyo, Japan analyzed the data of 36,177 Japanese men and 40,484 Japanese women ages 45 to 74 with no history of cancer for 11 years. Food frequency questionnaires obtained from the participants were analyzed to determine consumption of 137 food items including soy products like miso soup, soymilk and tofu
The researchers found that high soy consumption had the lowest risk of lung cancer in men who never smoked. A similar but less significant association was found in women who never smoked.
"In a large-scale, population-based, prospective study in Japan, isoflavone intake was associated with a decreased risk of lung cancer in never smokers," the study authors conclude.
Oxynox Promotes Lung Health
Research suggests that natural nutrients can help promote lung activity, antioxidant status and respiratory health.
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Previous research suggests that secondhand cigarette smoke exposure is associated with an increased risk for lung disease. This has led to a growing numer of public-health bans on smoking throughout the U.S. Now for the first time research reports that secondhand cigarette smoke exposure may alter genes in lungs. This is the first time researchers have found a biological cause for secondhand smoke hazards.
The study, published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, conducted a genome-wide association in smokers and nonsmokers. Researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York removed airway cells by bronchoscopy for gene testing from 121 smokers and nonsmokers. Urine tested for nicotine levels was also obtained from the participants. The subjects were categorized as nonsmokers, smokers and low exposure.
The researchers found that the low exposure group shared 34% of nonsmoker gene activity and 11% of smokers gene activity. Furthermore, the low exposure group genetic changes resembled those of the smoker group.
"The small airway epithelium detects and responds to low levels of tobacco smoke with transcriptome modifications," the study authors write. "This provides biologic correlates of epidemiologic studies linking low level tobacco smoke exposure to lung health risk, identifies the genes most sensitive to tobacco smoke and defines thresholds at which the lung epithelium responds to low levels of tobacco smoke."
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Research suggests that people who smoke and patients with lung disease are often nutritionally deficient. Natural nutrients can help promote lung activity, antioxidant status and respiratory health.
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]]>The amino acid arginine is a precursor to nitric oxide (NO). NO increases the diameter of the body's blood vessels (vasodilation), allowing increased blood flow to reach constricted areas. Now research reports that L- arginine supplementation improved health factors in people at risk for heart disease. L-arginine is a nonessential amino acid that may become conditionally essential if demand for it exceeds the body's ability to produce it.
The study, published in the Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology, investigated the effects of L-arginine supplementation on patients at risk for heart disease. Researchers at Tel Aviv University, Israel administered either a L-arginine supplement or a matching placebo capsule daily to 90 participants for 6 months. Lipid profile, glucose, insulin, aldosterone and arterial elasticity evaluations were obtained from the participants at the beginning and end of the study.
The researchers found that the supplement group had a significantly greater arterial elasticity compared to baseline levels and the placebo group. They also had significantly lower systemic vascular resistance than the placebo group.
"L-arginine supplementation improves LAEI [large artery elasticity index] in patients with multiple cardiovascular risk factors," the study authors write. "This improvement was associated with a decrease in systolic blood pressure, peripheral vascular resistance as well as a decrease in aldosterone levels. The results suggest that long term L-arginine supplementation has beneficial vascular effects in pathologic disease states associated with endothelial dysfunction."
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Effective ways to promote heart health include exercise, eating healthy and supplementing with natural nutrients.
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Antioxidant therapy has been associated with a decreased risk of lung cancer. One class of potent antioxidants is the carotenes, or Vitamin A hormones. 9-cis-retinoic acid has been proven to be a potent antioxidant in former smokers, although its mechanism is not fully understood. Recent research published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology investigated if 9-cis-retinoic acid has any effect on the IGF axis and if this could in fact be the mechanism of its chemopreventative effects against lung cancer.
The study enrolled participants who had ceased smoking for at least 12 months. IGF-I and IGF binding protein concentrations were measured at baseline and completion of the study in 111 and 84 participants respectively. Participants received either 100mg of 9-cis-retinoic acid or placebo daily.
The IGF-I and ratio of IGF-I/IGF binding protein were significantly lower in the treatment group compared to placebo. However, the IGF binding protein increased in the treatment group.
The authors conclude that 9-cis-retenoic acid modulates the IGF axis in former smokers. This may be the mechanism for chemoprevention. In the future serum concentrations of IGF axis components may be used as end markers for treatment. More studies are needed to determine any correlation between 9-cis-retinoic acid treatment, IGF axis, and lung cancer risk. In this study, no follow-up on lung cancer incidence was determined, thus it is inconclusive if any effect can be obtained by treatment with 9-cis-retinoic acid.
]]>Allergic rhinitis or hay fever is an overreaction of the immune system from allergens in the environment. Now research reports that pycnogenol can help treat and prevent allergy symptoms. Pycnogenol, derived from French maritime pine bark (Pinus pinaster), contains potent antioxidant flavonoids called proanthocyanidins (PCOs).
The placebo-controlled double-blind study, published in Phytotherapy Research, investigated the effect of pycnogenol on hay fever symptoms. Researchers from various institutions from the UK and Canada administered twice daily either Pycnogenol 50 mg tablets or a placebo to 60 participants with allergies, three to eight weeks before hay fever season in Canada. The participants recorded over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine use in treatment journals. Blood samples and symptom questionnaires were obtained from the participants.
The researchers found that participants taking pycnogenol seven weeks before hay fever season required 12.5 percent OTC antihistamine medication, compared to 50% of the placebo group. The pycnogenol group also had on average a lower nasal and eye symptom score than the placebo group. Furthermore, the pycnogenol group had a 19.4 percent increase in IgE (pollen antibody) levels compared to 31.9 percent in the placebo group.
"In conclusion, Pycnogenol improved allergic rhinitis symptoms when supplementation was started at least 5 weeks before the onset of the allergy season," the study authors write
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Previous studies suggest that vitamins A, C, D and E supplementation promote lung health. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a group of lung diseases including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, is most often caused by long-term smoking. Now research reports that vitamin E supplementation may lower the risk of COPD. Antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E have been found to protect against cell damage.
The study, presented at the American Thoracic Association 2010 International Conference, examined the effects of aspirin or vitamin E supplementation and the risk of cancer and heart disease. Researchers from Cornell University and Brigham and Women's Hospital analyzed data of almost 40,000 health professionals aged 45 years and older enrolled in the Women's Health Study. Participants were administered either vitamin E or a placebo every other day for a 10 year period.
The researchers found that both smokers and nonsmokers in the vitamin E group had a 10 percent lower risk of COPD, compared to those in the placebo group. However, vitamin E did not decrease the risk of asthma.
"The findings from our study suggest that increasing vitamin E prevents COPD," says researcher Anne Hermetet Agler, doctoral candidate at Cornell University Division of Nutritional Sciences, in a news release. "Previous research found that higher intake of vitamin E was associated with a lower risk of COPD, but the studies were not designed to answer the question of whether increasing vitamin E intake would prevent COPD. Using a large, randomized controlled trial to answer this question provided stronger evidence than previous studies."
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Research suggests that people who smoke and patients with COPD and emphysema are often nutritionally deficient. Natural nutrients can help promote antioxidant status and lung health.
Progressive Health's Oxynox is a lung support supplement featuring clinically evaluated ingredients such as NAC (n-acetyl l-cysteine), lipoic acid, mullein, elecampane, vitamin C, vitamin A and magnesium. Oxynox is specifically designed for those that smoke, emphysema symptom relief and lung health support.
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Researchers in India enrolled 153 patients, who were hospitalized with severe ALRI and ranged in age from 2-24 months, in this randomized, placebo-controlled trial. They were divided into four treatment groups:
1) Zinc acetate (10mg elemental Zn twice daily for 5 days) plus a placebo for vitamin A,
2) Vitamin A as retinyl palmitate [10000ug retinol equivalents (RE) twice daily for 4 days] plus a placebo for zinc,
3) Zinc plus vitamin A according to the above schedule, or
4) Placebo for zinc and for vitamin A.
These patients were all treated with standard antibiotic therapy. The results showed that treatment with zinc significantly reduced the length of fever and improved feeding difficulty and recovery rate from very ill status in the boys, but not the girls, enrolled in the study. Vitamin A did not appear to have any significant effect on the measures of illness used in this study.
The authors cannot explain the effect of the child's sex on efficacy of treatment, however in light of this trend, they suggest prior trials be examined for the same effect. This study indicates zinc can be a powerful adjunct treatment of acute severe illness, at least in boys. As well, the treatment was deemed safe. Once again, simple supplementation with the mineral zinc is established as a potent part of a treatment protocol
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a group of lung diseases including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, is most often caused by long-term smoking. Now research reports that a high fiber diet may lower the risk of COPD. Whole foods like oats, cereals, apples, citrus fruits, strawberries, nuts, seeds and lentils are high in fiber. Previous studies show that a high fiber diet can reduce inflammation and promote immunity.
The study, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, investigated the association of dietary fiber intake and the risk of COPD. Researchers from Harvard Medical School, Boston and INSERM, France analyzed data of 111,580 participants enrolled in the Nurses' Health Study and the Health Professionals' Follow-Up Study. Surveys obtained from the participants were analyzed for dietary fiber intake. The participants did not have COPD at the beginning of the study. However, 832 subjects were diagnosed with COPD between 1984 and 2000.
The researchers found that participants with the highest fiber intake had a 33 percent lower risk of COPD, compared to those with the lowest intake. Women had the strongest protective benefit of fiber. Furthermore, fiber from cereal was most strongly linked with a lowered COPD risk.
"These data suggest that a diet high in fiber, and possibly specifically cereal fiber, may reduce risk of developing COPD," the study authors conclude.
Oxynox Supports Respiratory Health
Research suggests that people who smoke and patients with COPD and emphysema are often nutritionally deficient. Natural nutrients can help promote lung activity, antioxidant status and respiratory health.
Progressive Health's Oxynox is a respiratory support supplement featuring clinically evaluated ingredients such as NAC (n-acetyl l-cysteine), lipoic acid, mullein, elecampane, vitamin C, vitamin A and magnesium. Oxynox is specifically designed for those that smoke, emphysema symptom relief and respiratory health support.
Black currant is rich in antioxidant proanthocyanidins such as epigallocatechin (EGC). Now for the first time research reports that black currant EGC can reduce lung inflammation in allergy-induced asthma. This discovery may help develop functional foods that prevent allergy-induced asthma or allergies.
The study, published in Molecular Nutrition and Food Research, investigated the effect of black currant extract on lung tissue cells. Researchers at the Plant and Food Research Institute of New Zealand stimulated lung tissue cells with inflammatory compound cytokine IL-4 (interleukin-4). This stimulated the production of eotaxin-3 (CCL26), one of the substances responsible for lung inflammation in allergy-induced asthma.
The researchers found that EGC blocked CCL26 production, in conjunction with other immune responses. This reduced long-term lung inflammation and supported the body's natural immunity. Furthermore, this effect was different from antioxidant anthocyanins found in black currant.
"The progression of an allergic immune response is complex, identifying plant compounds that target specific cellular events and complement the body's own immune actions is important for the development of functional foods" the study authors write. "Our findings support the potential for blackcurrant polyphenolic compounds to reduce eosinophil recruitment and alleviate eosinophilic-driven airway inflammation."
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Many studies have shown the link between essential fatty acids and the inflammatory cascade, characteristic of chronic inflammatory disorders, like asthma. In particular, omega-3 fatty acids, like EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), exert anti-inflammatory effects by directly inhibiting production of certain cells that release inflammatory biochemicals. Epidemiologic studies of populations that consume higher dietary levels of these fatty acids have reduced risk of asthma. Interventional trials where subjects with asthma are administered omega-3 fatty acids have shown mixed results, which most likely reflects the outcome measurements, the duration of the trial, dose, product contamination and confounding prescription medications.
However, pharmaceutical grade fish oil (which is not contaminated with PCBs, lead, mercury and various other toxic substances and has higher levels of long chain omega-3 fatty acids like EPA and DHA) has been examined in the treatment of asthma, exhibiting the most consistent and effective results. Some studies with fish oil have also shown effectiveness in reducing exercise induced asthma attacks (bronchoconstriction). The authors suggest the possibility of reducing prescription medications when using this type of fish oil supplementation.
Do not attempt to change doses of prescription medications without consulting your primary care physician.
Research suggests that nutritional deficiencies may aggravate asthma. Approximately 50 percent of Americans are vitamin D deficient. Now a new study reports that low levels of vitamin D are linked with increased risk of asthma. Researchers suggest that vitamin D supplementation may lower asthma severity and improve steroid treatment response.
The study, published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, investigated the relationship between vitamin D and asthma. Researchers from National Jewish Health in Denver, Colorado reviewed the data of 54 asthmatic adults. Blood samples, lung function and airway hyper-responsiveness tests were obtained from the participants.
The researchers found that participants with low vitamin D levels (below 30 ng/ml) had worse lung function and airway hyper-responsiveness test results than those with higher vitamin D levels. Furthermore, low vitamin D levels were linked with a reduced steroid therapy response and increased TNF-alpha (an inflammatory marker).
"In asthma, reduced vitamin D levels are associated with impaired lung function, increased airway hyperresponsiveness and reduced glucocorticoid response, suggesting that supplementation of vitamin D levels in patients with asthma may improve multiple parameters of asthma severity and treatment response," the study authors conclude.
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Over 20 million Americans suffer from asthma including 14 million adults and 6 million children. Previous studies suggest that nutritional deficiencies, including low antioxidant levels, may aggravate asthma. Antioxidants such as vitamin E, vitamin C and carotenes neutralize oxidative stress (free radical cell damage) and protect against inflammation and chronic disease. Now research reports that low antioxidant levels are linked with higher asthma severity.
The study, published in the British Journal of Nutrition, investigated the relationship of dietary antioxidant levels to the asthma disease pattern. Researchers at the John Hunter Hospital and the University of Newcastle in Australia analyzed the data of 41 asthma patients. Asthma Control Questionnaires and blood samples were obtained from the participants. The blood samples were analyzed for antioxidant levels and plasma antioxidant potential.
The researchers found that participants with severest asthma had the lowest levels of vitamin E, compared to those with mild to moderate asthma. Participants with airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR) had lower carotenoid levels. Furthermore, participants with uncontrolled asthma had reduced plasma antioxidant potential.
"We conclude that asthmatic subjects with AHR, uncontrolled asthma and a severe asthma pattern have impaired antioxidant defenses and are thus most susceptible to the damaging effects of oxidative stress," the study authors write. "This highlights the potential role for antioxidant supplementation in these subjects."
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An effective way to promote respiratory health is to supplement with natural nutrients such as antioxidants.
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The researchers found that plasma vitamin C, and plasma and tissue alpha-tocopherol levels decreased significantly with age in CF patients. Plasma beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, and lycopene were significantly lower in CF patients, compared with the control subjects in all age groups. Findings also revealed that plasma and tissue alpha-tocopherol and plasma vitamin C levels were significantly lower and oxidative stress markers higher in the 18 year old CF patients, compared with the control subjects in the same age group. "We suggest that early in life dietary habits should be improved and that innovative supplementation strategies should be applied to optimize the antioxidant status of patients with CF," the study authors conclude.
]]> REFERENCES:At the end of the study, researchers found that participants in the vitamin E group had a 20 percent lower risk of acquiring the common cold than those in the placebo group. In addition, fewer participants in the vitamin E group acquired 1 or more respiratory tract infections or upper respiratory tract infections. However, vitamin E was not protective against lower respiratory infections and did not effect the number of days with infection for all respiratory tract infections. "Common colds are frequent and associated with increased morbidity in this age group, and if confirmed, these findings suggest important implications for the well-being of the elderly," the study authors conclude.
]]> REFERENCES:Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) refers to a group of lung diseases including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. COPD is most often caused by long-term smoking. People with COPD often experience fatigue and reduced muscle strength. Now research reports that progressive resistance training helps people with COPD perform daily activities more easily. Progressive resistance training is a weight training method where increasingly heavy weights are lifted to build muscle and improve strength.
The review, published in the journal Chest, analyzed published studies of progressive resistance exercise for COPD patients. Researchers from Charles Sturt University in Albury, NSW, Australia, reviewed 18 controlled trials to assess the benefits and risks of weight training for COPD patients.
The researchers found moderate increases in arm and leg muscle strength after short-term progressive resistance exercise. Progressive resistance exercise promoted cycling tests and daily tasks such as stair climbing and rising from a chair. However, the design of the trials may have overestimated the benefits of exercise.
"Short-term progressive resistance exercise can lead to appreciable increases in muscle strength for people with COPD, which may carry over to the performance of some daily activities," the study authors conclude. "Future research should place emphasis on activity and participation level outcomes, and focus on determining the longer term outcomes and optimal methods for maintaining outcomes in this population."
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Research suggests that patients with COPD and emphysema are often nutritionally deficient. Natural nutrients can help promote lung activity, antioxidant status and respiratory health.
Progressive Health's Oxynox has been specifically designed for COPD symptom relief and respiratory health support. Oxynox includes clinically evaluated ingredients such as NAC (n-acetyl l-cysteine), lipoic acid, mullein, elecampane, vitamin C, vitamin A and magnesium.
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