Published August 6, 2010

Is this “essential” nutrient causing lung cancer?

Have you ever wondered why people who don’t smoke get lung cancer? I have. Some work in industries, such as factories and mines, where their lungs are at risk. But many people without any of these factors fall victim to lung cancer. Well, a new study says it could be something you eat.

According to a report out of Korea, a component of processed food might be involved. However, in this case, it’s not the nitrites in processed meats. It’s the phosphorus. Yes, this essential nutrient appears to be the culprit. But you can have too much of a good thing.

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Published August 5, 2010

Cancer treatments increase your risk of heart disease, arthritis, and other illnesses

What would you say if I told you that cancer therapy works? It kills cancer. Not surprising, right? But what if I then told you that this same cancer therapy will significantly increase your risk of heart disease, second cancers, arthritis, and a host of other problems?

Well, an article published in the New England Journal of Medicine says that’s exactly what happens.

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Published August 4, 2010

Two-nutrient combination stops Alzheimer’s plaque

If you’ve read Second Opinion for very long, you know there are a few nutrients that are my favorites. I write about them regularly. And I tell all of my patients to take them. Two of my favorites are curcumin (the curry spice) and vitamin D3. These two nutrients have multiple health benefits all by themselves. But now there’s evidence that taking both of them together can stop Alzheimer’s.

The new research comes out of UCLA and UC Riverside. Their researchers say the two-nutrient combination may help immune cells clear out beta amyloid. Beta amyloid is the gummy stuff that accumulates in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. It forms neurotoxic plaques in your brain, which hinder brain function.

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