Overview of Medical Treatment of SNHL (somewhat scientific-Invited presentation in Washington D.C. in March 2002-novel treatment strategies for hearing loss)

Mitochondrial Genetics of Relevance to Hearing Loss (Very scientific-presented in Washington D.C in March 2002)

Supplements for the Athlete (A must see for anyone who understands the benefits of exercise, good health and the need to supplement appropriately-Invited Presentation to the Vipers, Detroit Tigers and a National meeting to trainers for Professional Baseball association)

Complementary/Integrative Medicine and Women's Issues (Discusses important topics related to Women's health-many alternatives to treating Osteoporosis, hot flashes, weight issues, depression, PMS etc)

Today we will discuss the following important scientific updates:

1.Fish and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Intake and Risk of Heart Disease
2.Effects of St John's Wort on Major Depression


Fish and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Intake and Risk of Heart Disease in Women (Published in JAMA April 10, 2002 Vol 287 No 14 Pg 1815-1821)

It is well documented that groups of people with a high consumption of fish (Asian's in fishing villages, Alaskan Natives etc) have a significantly lower risk for heart disease. It has been verified that the Omega-3 fatty acids are the active agent primarily responsible for the protective effect of fish. The mechanisms for this protection are diverse and very complex, but are felt to include a lowering of triglycerides (Harris WS J Lipid Res 1989;30:785-807), a reduction in the production of thromboxane A2 (this compound is intimately involved in coagulation-a lowering of this product leads to "thinner blood" (less apt to clot), however life always teeters on a critical balance, if thromboxane A2 is too low this can cause bleeding problems (Nair SSD et al J Nutr 1997;127:383-393), may reduce platelet stickiness (similar effect as aspirin) (Von Schacky C, Am J Clin Nutr 2000;71 (suppl):224S-227S), and evidence shows that fish oil improves the inside of the vessel wall-reduces athersoclerosis (DeCanterina R et al Am J Clin Nutr 2000;71 (suppl) 213S-223S; Goodfellow J et al, J Am Coll Cardiol 2000;35:265-270). Many other mechanisms are probably involved -In short eat your fish! By the way Dark-meat fish (i.e. salmon, bluefish, swordfish, sardines, mackerel and tuna are some of the best fish to eat)

This particular study specifically examined dietary consumption from 84,688 female nurses enrolled in the Nurses' Health Study and followed these volunteers for 16 years. In conclusion, they found that women with a higher consumption of fish and omega-3 fatty acids have a statistically lower risk of coronary heart disease and death. Remember the number one cause of death in the USA is heart disease. Moral of this story: Watch your weight, eat a healthy diet, have fish 2-5 times per week (one time is better than zero times/week and two is better than one) and Body Language Vitamin will soon have its Essential oils formula (within 6-12 months) which will have significant amounts of omega-3's, the specific fish oils EPA (eicosopentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosohexanoic acid) and several oils critical for your health and well being; we think its well worth using on a daily basis.

Effects of St John's Wort in Major Depressive Disorder (Published in JAMA April 10, 2002 Vol 287 No 14 Pg 1807-1813)

There is no doubt that depression is a significant problem

Major depression affects 17% of Americans
• Women have slightly higher depression rates than men (13.3% vs 10%) other studies say 2-3 X
• Low mood more likely in 18-24 years (18.6%)
• Low mood in unmarried couples (17.1%)
• Low mood in the unemployed (18%)
• World Health Org: Depression was the 4th leading cause of disability worldwide in 1990 and will soon be second only to heart disease as a cause of disability

The primary concerns that lead us to feeling blue and possibly depressed are listed below:

Family concerns, relationships and other peoples behavior (friends, colleagues, boss, significant others, spouse etc) (60.1%)
• Traffic, rush hour, road rage issues (56%)
• Crime (45.8%)
• Financial concerns (33%)
• Work issues (31%)
• PMS (18%)

If you are clinically depressed, more often than not your physician will prescribe medicines that are very effective (for some people) but they often have many side effects. St John's Wort has been used for thousands of years as a "pick me up" and more recently for mild depression. Note the emphasis is on mild. The most recent studies by some very bright clinicians and scientist have tested this compound on major depression (a very different story than mild depression).

This most recent article was designed to test the efficacy and safety of hypericum perforatum (the proposed major active ingredient in St John's Wort). They studied 340 patients and randomized them to receive either the H perforatum, a placebo or sertraline. Their findings found that H perforatum (and in their opinion St John's Wort) was ineffective for moderately severe major depression. They went on to say that it might be due to the low assay sensitivity of the trial. One other problem with this study (besides looking at major depression) was that the formulation used was not standardized to hyperforin, which to several experts is also very important (Laakman et al Pharmacopsychiatry 1998;31 (suppl 1):54-59; Wannemann M et al Neuropsychompharmacology 2000;23:188-197).

What are some of the symptoms of depression? Please remember we all have feelings like these listed below from time to time, but if they are persistent, please consult your physician.

Persistent feelings of sadness or anxiousness
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering and making decisions
• Feelings of guilt, helplessness hopelessness pessimism, worthlessness
• Restless and irritable
• Low energy, fatigue, poor sleep patterns
• Loss of interest in pleasurable activities

For more information about alternatives and depression please see our PowerPoint presentation: Nutritional/herbal therapies for low mood/mild depression

Body Language Vitamin Company's mission is to promote your health and wellness through responsible lifestyle choices and appropriate supplementation.

I hope you have found this information valuable and helpful. Please feel free to contact me with any questions. I answer all of my emails; please allow 24-72 hours as we get many questions. You can also find many other interesting studies and articles by clicking on Educational Resources (the top left task bar) at Body Language Vitamin Company.

Michael D. Seidman, MD., FACS
B.S. Human Nutrition
CEO-Body Language Vitamin Co
Director of Otologic/Neurotologic Surgery/Henry Ford Health System
Director of Complementary/Integrative Medicine Henry Ford Health System
Office: 248-661-7211 (Henry Ford Health System)
Body Language Office (voice mail) 877-LIVE-FIT


You are receiving this email because you have ordered supplements or visited our site. If you would rather not receive this information, I will take your name off our list, but I believe this information is important enough to share with you.