An article in the April 2007 edition of the Harvard Health Letter claims that niacin (vitamin B3) may be a safe and effective alternative to statin anti-cholesterol drugs. Statins are designed to lower LDL (”bad” cholesterol).

The only prescription drug that raised HDL, Pfizer’s torcetrapib, taken in combination with Lipitor, was eventually found to be unsafe (it caused a greater number of deaths than statins alone), and was taken off the market.

Niacin in large doses (approximately 1000mg per day) becomes an effective anti-cholesterol agent. It not only reduces the LDL, but also reduces triglycerides and raises HDL (”good” cholesterol). The main drawback to niacin is uncomfortable flushing, a warming sensation in the skin it causes. There are flush-free products available, but the niacin in those products has little or no effect on cholesterol. The article cautions taking high-dose niacin only with your physician’s oversight.

Japan has one of the world’s lowest obesity rates, roughly 1/4 of the French, and 1/10 of the American rates. They are also among the longest living on earth. Their secret? Lower caloric intake and healthy high-fiber, low-fat foods. They eat a lot of vegetables, primarily cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, bok choy and kale. They eat much more fish than red meat, and are more likely to have fruit for dessert than cookies, cakes and pies. This ensures a diet low in saturated and trans-fats and high in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

It should be noted that all is not perfect in the Japanese diet, including the consumption of lots of white rice, a high-carb high-glycemic food. Long ago, when Japanese were much more active, this was not a problem. As their lifestyle has become more sedate, and diet, especially in urban areas, becomes more Westernized, health problems are on the increase.

There are habits we could learn from the Japanese, such as eating more slowly and quitting when 80% full, enjoying the beauty of food, eating smaller portions served on smaller plates, and building meals around vegetables instead of meat.

Source: “Japanese Light” by Janet Helm, dietitian and nutrition consultant, published April 5, 2007 in the Chicago Tribune.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration staff released documents which indicate a risk of hallucination and similar problems in children and older patients. The drug Ditropan, known generically as oxybutynin, already lists a variety of other nervous system risks on its labeling, but more explicit cautions are needed.

Of 202 side effect reports in Ditropan patients, roughly 1/4 of younger than 18 and older than 59 patients reported these unlisted hallucination problems. The manufacturer, Johnson & Johnson, had no immediate comment.

Once again, great caution is urged before using any prescription drug that has not been in the marketplace for many years, since tests for side-effect safety of these new drugs are conducted unknowingly by consumers.

Source: FDA: http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/ac/07/briefing/2007-4295b1-index.htm

According to an analysis of research in the Archives of Internal Medicine, published by the American Medical Association, for study participants who consumed cocoa products for at least two weeks, the drop in blood pressure was similar to the drop resulting from prescription blood pressure medication. On the other hand, drinking green and black tea did not seem to lower blood pressure. The benefit from cocoa may cut strokes and heart attacks by 10-20 percent.

Researchers urged caution, however, since cocoa is a high-fat, high-caffeine product that may adversely affect health. It may be added to a diet in small quanities and in place of other high-calorie desserts.
Source: Reuters News Tue Apr 10, 2007