The B vitamin niacin beat out the prescription cholesterol-lowering medicine ezetimibe (also known as Zetia) in a recent research trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The trial compared their cholesterol-lowering capabilities and their effects on the amount of thickening of blood vessels.

Results for niacin were excellent. Niacin lowered LDL “bad” cholesterol and triglycerides, and raised HDL “good” cholesterol.  Most importantly, niacin decreased the thickening of blood vessels, which means less cardiovascular disease. The prescription ezetimibe also lowered triglycerides and LDL “bad” cholesterol, but increased the thickening of blood vessels! How ironic that a cholesterol-lowering medicine increases cardiovascular disease.

Although I highly recommend niacin supplementation for the above purposes, it should only be taken when being monitored by a physician.
 
 
When the weather is cold and rainy or snowy, it’s nice to burn candles, but all candles are not created equal. Most candles are made from paraffin, which is a petroleum byproduct from refining crude oil. When burned, they create indoor air pollutants. The soot contains toxic chemicals that damage indoor air quality and may damage our health.  The toxicity is compounded by the added chemical fragrances that enter the air when burned.

When it comes to candles, beeswax is the way to go. This natural wax actually cleans the air when burned by creating negative ions. These negative ions will attach to positive charged ions that contain dust and other allergens. This will then settle downward ready to be swept up. Do yourself and your family a favor and burn only beeswax candles. This is especially important for anyone with respiratory health conditions, such as asthma.

 
 
Since the toxic metal lead has been banned in China from being used in jewelry making, it seems that cadmium has taken its place. Cadmium has been found in charm bracelets and pendants that have been made in China and sold here in the US. What is shocking is that these items are not being pulled from the shelves because there are no regulations regarding cadmium being used in jewelry!

Cadmium has many harmful effects, such as causing respiratory and kidney injury. It is also a carcinogen and is very detrimental to the development of children. I recommend avoiding “cheap” jewelry made in China and if suspected, testing for cadmium toxicity. Contact me for the best way to test for toxic metals.
 
 
A December study in the International Journal of Biological Sciences showed that eating genetically modified (GM) corn damaged several organs, especially the kidneys and liver (http://www.biolsci.org/v05p0706.htm). “Genetically modified” means that the corn DNA has had foreign genes, such as a bacteria, forced into it with the idea that this new type of corn will be more resistant to herbicides and able to produce its own insecticides. This is concerning because 85% of commercial corn grown in the USA is GM, therefore most Americans are eating it regularly. It is “hidden” in many products as corn flour, corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, and corn starch. It has also been fed to animals that are raised non-organically, commonly cows, chicken, and pigs.

The topic of GM foods is controversial, but I agree with the American Academy of Environmental Medicine who are concerned about the negative health effects associated with eating these foods and advise patients to avoid them. Since corn and soy are the most abundant GM crops, buy only organic corn and soy products!

I recommend educating yourself on the topic and making your own conclusions. For further info on GM: http://www.responsibletechnology.org/GMFree/GMODangers/FAQs/index.cfm
 
 
I was shocked when I recently came upon research done by the Hawaii Department of Health that showed opah, also known as moonfish, has about 25% more methylmercury than any species of tuna! Out of the nine different fish species tested, opah topped the list with the highest mercury, followed by bigeye and albacore tuna, with mahimahi having the lowest levels. Obviously this is concerning because it is fairly widely known that tuna, swordfish, and marlin are high in mercury and should be ate sparingly or not at all, but now we need to add opah to the top of that list.

Unfortunately mercury toxicity is rather common here in Hawaii due to lots of fish consumption, including sushi and poke. Some common symptoms include irritability, anxiety, depression, insomnia, headaches, fatigue, thyroid disorders, and immune system suppression. If you suspect mercury toxicity, contact me for the best method of testing and the safest and most efficient way to remove it.
 
 
New breast cancer screening guidelines recommend against routine mammograms for healthy women in their 40s due to the number of false positives. Although controversial, I can appreciate the decision. As a naturopathic physician, I strongly believe in the basic medical tenet “first do no harm” and breast trauma (squishing) and radiation are harmful. The decision to do a mammogram should be an individualized and educated decision.

The bottom line is prevention. Naturopathic physicians are experts in preventive medicine. Generally speaking, there is much to be done preventively. Regarding breast cancer risk assessment, I highly recommend vitamin D level testing and extensive hormone testing that includes estrone metabolites. Contact me, or your local naturopathic physician, for a complete preventive wellness check, including vitamin and hormone testing.
 
 
We are very lucky to live on Kauai where we have locally raised grass-fed beef. There is a HUGE difference between grass-fed and grain-fed beef (which is what is generally found in your standard grocery store). As compared to grain-fed beef, grass-fed beef: is lower in fat and calories, has more than double the healthy omega 3 fatty acids, has more vitamins (like vitamin E, beta carotene, B vitamins) and minerals, and has conjugated linoleic acid (a healthy fat that can help weight loss and is a potential cancer fighter).

If you are a meat-eater, I urge you to switch to grass-fed beef to better your health.  Here on Kauai, it can be bought at the Wailua Country Sore, Kojima’s, Chevron Station in Princeville, Sueoka’s, and Ishihara markets.  Elsewhere, check your local health food store.
 
 
It has become apparent through numerous studies that there is widespread deficiency in vitamin D in people around the country, even people living in Hawaii where there is year round sun exposure (we make vitamin D from the sun).  There are many possible causes of these low levels, but my primary guess is the widespread use of sunscreen, which stops the production of vitamin D. Low levels are linked to many health problems, including lowering our ability to fight infection, bone and muscle pain, diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, and an overall increased risk of death. Yikes!

Contact me, or your primary care physician, to have your vitamin D levels checked.  It’s easy and the information has the potential to improve your overall health.
 
 
Recent research has shown that the elderberry fruit (Sambucus nigra) prevents H1N1 infection.  The article published in the July 2009 issue of Phytochemistry showed that the flavonoids found in elderberry bind to the virus and block its ability to cause infection.  Generally, elderberry is known for its antiviral effects, being useful for influenza and other upper respiratory infections.

Contact me to stock up on this excellent botanical medicine to have on hand when the need arises.  In my Kapaa office I carry a high quality, organic elderberry product that is great for both adults and kids!