Published July 30, 2010

Don’t take another fish oil capsule until you read this...

You may know that I’ve always been a big fan of fish oil. However, I recently wrote in my newsletter that the shimmer of fish oil has gotten a little duller in 2010. Two new studies show that, while fish oils still have many positive qualities, there are some products that might not be worth buying. And some people may need to avoid them altogether.

Earlier this year, one study found that fish oil can boost blood fats in diabetics. It also found that they can boost molecules that promote clotting. The researchers who conducted this study saw these effects in a group of selected middle-aged men with metabolic syndrome. This one study alone shouldn’t change the overall recommendation to use fish oil. However, the leader of the research team said diabetics may want to reconsider using them.

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Published July 29, 2010

This virtually unknown remedy
for a common Fosamax side effect

Sometimes I receive questions from subscribers that deserve a longer answer than I can give in the newsletter. I recently received an email from Sandra. She had taken Fosamax for osteoporosis. Like most drugs, Fosamax has some terrible side effects. Here’s what Sandra asked — and how she can fix the common problem caused by these drugs.

Sandra asked: “When I was taking Fosamax a few years ago, I developed an acid reflux problem. This damaged my vocal cords, which has resulted in chronic hoarseness and sometimes laryngitis.

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Published July 28, 2010

Don’t let your doctor use X-ray dyes unless you do this first...

If you have an X-ray that uses a contrast dye scheduled, please read this before going to the doctor. It could save your kidneys.

Contrast dyes are important to see your organs function, like in coronary angiography or kidney X-rays. But contrast dyes carry significant risk of renal damage, especially if you already have kidney disease. However, you can prevent the damage with one simple supplement.

Scientists compared the effectiveness of NAC (N-acetyl-cysteine) and vitamin C in 212 patients scheduled for angiography. They gave half of the patients 1,200 mg of NAC twice daily the day before and the day of the angiogram. They gave the other half 3 grams and 2 grams the day before and 2 grams twice after the exam of vitamin C. Then they compared the kidney damage of both groups.

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