The write-up below was provided to me by the office of Dr. Thomas MacKinnon, DDS MAGD
My only objection to this is the use of fluoride toothpaste. I am not a dentist and I would not want to go head-to-head in a dental debate with Dr. MacKinnon, but I have not seen any information to suggest that fluoride does anything for adult teeth. On the other hand, I have heard of health problems associated with fluoride ingestion, including interference with normal iodine metabolism/absorption/excretion which is critical to our health. That being said...
Here is the write-up from Dr. MacKinnon:
"I now brush my teeth with baking soda and peroxide. New research on how to clean your mouth and teeth has shown that baking soda does a great job of breaking up the hard to remove oral biofilm. This same research points out the importance of regular visits to the dentist to get your teeth cleaned professionally. The heart of keeping your teeth for life is the mechanical removal of these stubborn deposits that will collect even in the face of the best flossing and brushing...
... The use of baking soda will whiten up your teeth since it can remove stains and it leaves your mouth feeling really clean. There are a lot of way s you can use baking soda. It is well researched as Dr. Keyes has studied it for 40 years. Visit his website for additional ideas about how to use this inexpensive and effective dental cleaning material.
Additional material on this subject can be obtained at the links below:
I use his "powerful antibacterial combination"
http://www.drpaulhkeyes.com/writings/dentifrice-01.html
If you know a young lady that may become pregnant, this is a good site for oral hygiene information. I still see gum disease in some of my pregnant patients and it can lead to real problems like early tooth loss or pregnancy problems:
http://www.baby-place.com/oralhealth.html
This site shows how to use baking soda and is written in a humorous style:
http://www.frugallawstudent.com/2007/06/11/frugall-esperiment
After the author used the baking soda a few times he had bad breath (I didn't experience this) my guess is that he should have used it for a week. He would then have removed the bulk of oral biofilm that caused the bad breath. Using regular toothpaste will also help this during the transition. I still use a fluoride toothpaste once a day."
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
Supplements and Dietary Change Make a Difference in Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Dr. Harriott's Comments:
This study acknowledges that modest levels of omega 3 fatty acid intake and a low glycemic diet are beneficial for AMD. It then shows, however that,concurrent supplementation with anti-oxidants like C, E, etc may necessitate higher levels of consumption of omega 3 fatty acids to maintain the benefit in earlier stages of the disease.
Take home message would be that omega 3 fatty acid supplements (these fatty acids are found in flax oil, walnut oil, fish oil, among other sources) are a good thing. Also, a low glycemic load diet is once again shown to be a clear path to healthy living. And lastly, if you have early stage AMD, additional anti-oxidant supplementation may interfere with the benefits of omega 3 fatty acids for that disease. Further study will be necessary to come up with specific dietary recommendations for AMD.
===================================
Other Factors May Affect Link Between Omega 3s and AMD
http://www.medpagetoday.com/Ophthalmology/GeneralOphthalmology/14789?
userid=69947&impressionId=1245645053617&utm_source=mSpoke&utm_medium=
email&utm_campaign=DailyHeadlines&utm_content=Group1
LITTLE FALLS, N.J., June 19 -- The association between omega-3 fatty acids and lower risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) appears to be modified by other dietary supplements and disease stage, researchers found.
As expected, high intake of the omega-3s docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) was associated with a lower risk of progression to advanced AMD in a secondary analysis of a randomized trial, Chung-Jung Chiu, DDS, PhD, of Tufts University in Boston, and colleagues reported online in the British Journal of Ophthalmology.
For early AMD progression, however, the apparent protective effect of DHA was eliminated in patients taking supplements containing high doses of antioxidants, zinc, or both as part of the Age-Related Eye Disease Study.
"The present study adds additional support to the idea that diet and, if necessary, supplementation can be optimized for the prevention of AMD," the researchers said.
The original research showed that high doses of antioxidants protected against the progression of advanced age-related macular degeneration. (See High Antioxidant Diet May Delay Age-Related Macular Degeneration)
A number of other studies have also identified a link between high consumption of omega-3 fatty acids and a reduced risk of AMD, and some evidence points to a protective effect of a low glycemic index diet.
However, it had remained unclear how all of these dietary factors interacted, the researchers said.
So they performed an analysis of data from 2,924 patients participating in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study, an eight-year supplementation trial. Dietary intake was assessed using food-frequency questionnaires.
There were four arms in the trial: placebo, antioxidant supplementation with vitamins C and E and beta-carotene, supplementation with zinc, or combined supplementation.
The highest intakes of DHA (HR 0.73, 95% CI 0.57 to 0.94) and EPA (HR 0.74, 95% CI 0.59 to 0.94) and the diets lowest in glycemic index (HR 0.76, 95% CI 0.60 to 0.96) were linked to lower risk for progression to advanced AMD, independent of the type of supplementation.
There were significant interactions between dietary glycemic index and both DHA (P=0.0003) and EPA (P=0.0001) intake, such that patients who had low glycemic index diets and high consumption of the omega-3 fatty acids had lower risks of progression to advanced AMD than patients with high intakes alone.
Patients in the early stages of AMD, however, only derived a benefit from consuming large amounts of DHA if they were not taking additional supplementation as part of the study (HR 0.58, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.92).
"It appears that the high-dose supplements of the antioxidants and/or the minerals somehow interfered with the benefits of DHA against early AMD progression," said study co-author Allen Taylor, PhD, also of Tufts.
The levels of DHA and EPA consumed in the study were much lower than the recommended intake, according to the researchers.
To hit the target, individuals could consume two to three servings of cold-water fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines, and herring, as well as shellfish.
However, it would be premature to make specific dietary recommendations for patients with AMD, the researchers said.
"Taken together, these data indicate that consuming a diet with higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and low-glycemic index foods may delay compromised vision due to AMD," Dr. Taylor said.
"The present study adds the possibility that the timing of a dietary intervention as well as the combination of nutrients recommended may be important," he said.
The study was funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the NIH, the Johnson & Johnson Focused Giving Program, the American Health Assistance Foundation, and the Ross Aging Initiative.
The authors reported that they had no conflicts of interest.
Primary source: British Journal of Ophthalmology
Source reference: Chiu C-J, et al "Does eating particular diets alter risk of age-related macular degeneration in users of the age-related eye disease study supplements?" Br J Ophthalmol 2009; DOI: 10.1136/bjo.2008.143412.
This study acknowledges that modest levels of omega 3 fatty acid intake and a low glycemic diet are beneficial for AMD. It then shows, however that,concurrent supplementation with anti-oxidants like C, E, etc may necessitate higher levels of consumption of omega 3 fatty acids to maintain the benefit in earlier stages of the disease.
Take home message would be that omega 3 fatty acid supplements (these fatty acids are found in flax oil, walnut oil, fish oil, among other sources) are a good thing. Also, a low glycemic load diet is once again shown to be a clear path to healthy living. And lastly, if you have early stage AMD, additional anti-oxidant supplementation may interfere with the benefits of omega 3 fatty acids for that disease. Further study will be necessary to come up with specific dietary recommendations for AMD.
===================================
Other Factors May Affect Link Between Omega 3s and AMD
http://www.medpagetoday.com/Ophthalmology/GeneralOphthalmology/14789?
userid=69947&impressionId=1245645053617&utm_source=mSpoke&utm_medium=
email&utm_campaign=DailyHeadlines&utm_content=Group1
LITTLE FALLS, N.J., June 19 -- The association between omega-3 fatty acids and lower risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) appears to be modified by other dietary supplements and disease stage, researchers found.
As expected, high intake of the omega-3s docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) was associated with a lower risk of progression to advanced AMD in a secondary analysis of a randomized trial, Chung-Jung Chiu, DDS, PhD, of Tufts University in Boston, and colleagues reported online in the British Journal of Ophthalmology.
For early AMD progression, however, the apparent protective effect of DHA was eliminated in patients taking supplements containing high doses of antioxidants, zinc, or both as part of the Age-Related Eye Disease Study.
"The present study adds additional support to the idea that diet and, if necessary, supplementation can be optimized for the prevention of AMD," the researchers said.
The original research showed that high doses of antioxidants protected against the progression of advanced age-related macular degeneration. (See High Antioxidant Diet May Delay Age-Related Macular Degeneration)
A number of other studies have also identified a link between high consumption of omega-3 fatty acids and a reduced risk of AMD, and some evidence points to a protective effect of a low glycemic index diet.
However, it had remained unclear how all of these dietary factors interacted, the researchers said.
So they performed an analysis of data from 2,924 patients participating in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study, an eight-year supplementation trial. Dietary intake was assessed using food-frequency questionnaires.
There were four arms in the trial: placebo, antioxidant supplementation with vitamins C and E and beta-carotene, supplementation with zinc, or combined supplementation.
The highest intakes of DHA (HR 0.73, 95% CI 0.57 to 0.94) and EPA (HR 0.74, 95% CI 0.59 to 0.94) and the diets lowest in glycemic index (HR 0.76, 95% CI 0.60 to 0.96) were linked to lower risk for progression to advanced AMD, independent of the type of supplementation.
There were significant interactions between dietary glycemic index and both DHA (P=0.0003) and EPA (P=0.0001) intake, such that patients who had low glycemic index diets and high consumption of the omega-3 fatty acids had lower risks of progression to advanced AMD than patients with high intakes alone.
Patients in the early stages of AMD, however, only derived a benefit from consuming large amounts of DHA if they were not taking additional supplementation as part of the study (HR 0.58, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.92).
"It appears that the high-dose supplements of the antioxidants and/or the minerals somehow interfered with the benefits of DHA against early AMD progression," said study co-author Allen Taylor, PhD, also of Tufts.
The levels of DHA and EPA consumed in the study were much lower than the recommended intake, according to the researchers.
To hit the target, individuals could consume two to three servings of cold-water fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines, and herring, as well as shellfish.
However, it would be premature to make specific dietary recommendations for patients with AMD, the researchers said.
"Taken together, these data indicate that consuming a diet with higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and low-glycemic index foods may delay compromised vision due to AMD," Dr. Taylor said.
"The present study adds the possibility that the timing of a dietary intervention as well as the combination of nutrients recommended may be important," he said.
The study was funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the NIH, the Johnson & Johnson Focused Giving Program, the American Health Assistance Foundation, and the Ross Aging Initiative.
The authors reported that they had no conflicts of interest.
Primary source: British Journal of Ophthalmology
Source reference: Chiu C-J, et al "Does eating particular diets alter risk of age-related macular degeneration in users of the age-related eye disease study supplements?" Br J Ophthalmol 2009; DOI: 10.1136/bjo.2008.143412.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Alternative Sweeteners - Wow! Too Good To Be True?
So I finally made it to Henry's to buy myself some Stevia and some Xylitol to try out as an alternative to some other sweeteners I have been using.
I have been using fresh apple juice in my oatmeal with raisins, molasses, cinnamon and mashed banana. While I was OK with it, my daughter and son really missed the brown sugar we used to put in it. So I bought some Agave nectar, but while I was assured it is a lower glycemic product, I remain unconvinced.
So, back to the Xylitol and Stevia. What can I say, but "outstanding"? Stevia has a little aftertaste when I tasted it by itself, but once added to an actual food, I couldn't tell any more. ANd zero calories. And it is a safe natural herbal extract.
Xylitol still has 2/3 of the calories of sugar with the same sweetness, but it is still a low glycemic index product, so.... cool. Literally cool... Beccause it leaves a cool sensation on your tongue when you taste it alone, but not really a problem when in recipe. Oh yeah, and oral bacteria that cause cavities are actually reduced by the consumption of Xylitol.
I bought them both and will likely use Stevia most of the time, although the dental benefits of Xylitol will mean that I keep it in my cupboard to use as well.
I feel I'm in a too good to be true situation. Let me know if you know of any downsided to either of these products.
I have been using fresh apple juice in my oatmeal with raisins, molasses, cinnamon and mashed banana. While I was OK with it, my daughter and son really missed the brown sugar we used to put in it. So I bought some Agave nectar, but while I was assured it is a lower glycemic product, I remain unconvinced.
So, back to the Xylitol and Stevia. What can I say, but "outstanding"? Stevia has a little aftertaste when I tasted it by itself, but once added to an actual food, I couldn't tell any more. ANd zero calories. And it is a safe natural herbal extract.
Xylitol still has 2/3 of the calories of sugar with the same sweetness, but it is still a low glycemic index product, so.... cool. Literally cool... Beccause it leaves a cool sensation on your tongue when you taste it alone, but not really a problem when in recipe. Oh yeah, and oral bacteria that cause cavities are actually reduced by the consumption of Xylitol.
I bought them both and will likely use Stevia most of the time, although the dental benefits of Xylitol will mean that I keep it in my cupboard to use as well.
I feel I'm in a too good to be true situation. Let me know if you know of any downsided to either of these products.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
How About Iodine?
This doc makes a compelling case. Certainly worth looking into further. The video is long, but it is worth watching.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Links to Meal Recipes
I just added a couple great recipes to lunch and dinner. In case you have any difficulty finding the meal posts, I have re-listed them below... Remember, the recipes are listed as comments. Please add your own, as well.
===============
Thursday, June 4, 2009
TT&G Day 4
Loving that oatmeal with the raisins, banana, a little molasses and a dash of almond milk. This week has been a whirlwind with school concerts, open houses, awards banquets and preparing for the backpacking trip this weekend. That will present it's own challenge since we will be stuck with the dehydrated food that we find at the camping store. I am not that creative so I'm not going to try to reinvent backpacking food. We'll just get back on the wagon on Monday :) For now, though, I have some shopping to do.... By the way, Maddy said to me yesterday, "Gee, I haven't found anything we've been eating bad. I don't know why we didn't eat this way already..." Was that question pointed at me? LOL
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
TT&G Day 2
Well Maddy and I did out scans yesterday. She wasn't able to start the dietary changes because of her schedule, but when she gave me the "Oh, I need lunch" today, and then told me she didn't have time to plan / prepare it, I did it for her and told her, "this is the last time" :)
So, this morning, she and I got up just before 5 a.m. did a fast walk to the gym, stationary bikes for 20 minutes and fast walk back home. She had two bananas and an apple for breakfast because she didn't have time to do anything else.
I put together her lunch:
Apple
Ziploc Baggie of assorted nuts
Romaine Lettuce Salad w/ chopped tomatoe, oninon and red bell pepper
Basic Salad Vinagrette (from Day 1 menu already posted)
Tunafish to put on top of her salad.
I gotta' get to the store today with my shopping list. ...
BTW, I am about to head over to the office to do BIA scans. If you are interested, I'll be there today from 10 to noon and again from 5 to 6pm. If you can't make those times, or get this post too late, call me to schedule another time (949)360-1112.
Dr. Harriott
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