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According to an article published in the January 2010 issue of Contraception, there is a 5 percent decrease in the bone density of women taking birth control pills versus non-users. Those taking birth control pills for more than two years, and those on low-dose estrogen pills, appear to have the greatest risk of decreased bone density in the spine and entire body.
Peak bone mass production generally occurs at age 20, and a 5 percent decrease in bone density may put these women in the same risk category as post-menopausal females. A 5 percent lower bone density after menopause is associated with approximately 50 percent more osteoporotic fractures. Almost 12 million American women are currently using oral contraceptives; the use of oral contraceptives is highest in women under 30. Similar findings were published in the European journal of contraception and reproductive health care: the official journal of the European Society of Contraception (Euro Journal Contraception Reproductive Health Care. 2009 Jun; 14(3):207-14). It is a matter of concern that oral contraceptive pills are prescribed like candy, not only as birth control pills, but for almost any female disorder, from irregular menses to acne. Most women are unaware of the side effects.
Pharmaceutical companies promoted hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for bone-building for many decades. Many peer-reviewed articles were published supporting the use of HRT in preventing fractures and heart disease until a study published in the USA in 2002 showed higher risks of breast cancer, heart attack and stroke in women receiving HRT. All of these pro-hormone replacement therapy studies were so-called real science. Finally, the World Health Organization (WHO) reclassified the oral contraceptive pill and hormone replacement therapy from "possibly carcinogenic to humans" to "carcinogenic to humans." The reclassification applied to combined estrogen-progestin treatments, and placed these compounds in the same classification as tobacco and asbestos.
It is very interesting to see how allopathic medicine has tunnel vision. Our body manufactures many hormones, and their balance is very delicate, yet we always forget normal physiology. Disease is always viewed through the model of pathology. First of all, oral contraceptives are not safe, and if you have to use then, it should be for a short time. Emphasis should be stressed on safe contraceptive methods, like condoms, cervical caps, safe periods, checking for ovulation using an ovulation kit, and others. Ayurvedic medicine has used neem oil and neem leaf extract as a local and systemic contraceptive for men and women. This has been well researched and used in India successfully. Similarly, Grandma prescribed one tablespoon of turmeric in milk after sexual contact, which prevented the implantation of a fertilized egg, although lacks any clinical research available.


Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by FDA. The information provided is purely educational, not to treat, cure, diagnose or prevent any disease. This does not replace the recommendations of your physician.
Dr. Virender Sodhi holds an M.D. (Ayurveda) from India and a N.D. from Bastyr University, USA.
E-mail: drsodhi@ayurvedicscience.com. Web: http://www.ayurvedicscience.com.

Ashwgnadha ( Withania somnifera ) is used as adaptogen in Ayurvedic medicine. Lots of interesting studies been published on its possible action, one of them is in cancer prevention and may be treatment. Here is interesting research on cell lines of colon cancer and positive effects with Ashwgandha.

Mol Cancer Ther. 2010 Jan;9(1):202-10. Epub 2010 Jan 6.

Notch-1 inhibition by Withaferin-A: a therapeutic target against colon carcinogenesis.
Koduru S, Kumar R, Srinivasan S, Evers MB, Damodaran C.

Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0200, USA.

Notch signaling plays a crucial role in the development of colon cancer; targeting the Notch pathway may sensitize colon cancers to various adjuvant agents. The focus of our current study is to identify natural compounds that target Notch signaling and that might be beneficial for the prevention and treatment of colon cancer. Withaferin-A (WA) is a bioactive compound derived from Withania somnifera, which inhibits Notch-1 signaling and downregulates prosurvival pathways, such as Akt/NF-kappaB/Bcl-2, in three colon cancer cell lines (HCT-116, SW-480, and SW-620). In addition, WA downregulated the expression of mammalian target of rapamycin signaling components, pS6K and p4E-BP1, and activated c-Jun-NH(2)-kinase-mediated apoptosis in colon cancer cells. We also established the molecular link between Notch/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling by complementary approaches (i.e., overexpression of Notch-1 or inhibition of Notch-1 by small interfering RNA). Our results suggest that WA inhibits Notch-mediated prosurvival signaling, which facilitates c-Jun-NH(2)-kinase-mediated apoptosis in colon cancer cell lines. These results underscore the anticancer activity of WA, which exhibits potential for further development for targeted chemotherapy and/or chemoprevention strategies in the context of colon cancer.

According to study published on line issue of January 12, 2010, of British Medical Journal, researchers analyzed data from 68,517 people, average age 70, who took part in seven studies that looked at the effect vitamin D or vitamin D plus calcium had on reducing fractures. Daily supplements of calcium and vitamin D reduce the risk of fractures in women and men of all ages, even if they've suffered previous fractures, but vitamin D supplements alone don't offer significant protection, the study has found. The analysis revealed that vitamin D given alone in doses of 400 IU to 800 IU per day doesn't prevent fractures. However, calcium and vitamin D given together reduce the risk of hip fractures, total fractures and possibly vertebral fractures. In my opinion 400 to 800 IU are not very optimal doses, I have been prescribing 10,000 IU lately in Northwest area along with 1500 mg of Calcium and 750 mg of magnesium.

Dr.Virender Sodhi

Statins are Billion dollar industry, are they really safe
Every year billion of dollars are spent on prescription of Statins for lowering cholesterol. Currently over 18 million American are on Statin drugs. In 2006 more than 21 billion dollars worth of statins were sold in USA, Pfizer alone sold for 9 billion dollars. Use of statin have come under fire many times. A recent article published by CDC (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) January 22, 2010 / 59;29-33) showed 1 in 5 children have abnormal lipids (Cholesterol) and some argue Statins would be appropriate measure in dealing with the cholesterol issue in kids.
Now the Questions are?
Do all the people taking statins really need them?
Do Statins really prevent heart disease mortality?

Are Statins really safe for long term use?
A commentary published by Mike Mitka in JAMA issue of January 20,2010 (JAMA. 2010;303(3):211-212 (doi:10.1001/jama.2009.1915) ,he sighted a study presented in November, ARBITTER 6-HALTS( Arterial biology for the investigation of the treatment Effects of Reducing Cholesterol-6:HDL and LDL treatment Strategies in Atherosclerosis), 208 patients receiving statin therapy for at least 3months and who had an LDL-C level lower than 100 mg/dL and HDL-C level lower than 50 mg/dL at the time of enrollment. Participants were randomized to receive extended-release niacin (target dose, 2000 mg/d) or ezetimibe (Zetia) (10mg/d). After 14 months, the mean carotid intima-media thickness had decreased significantly 0.014 mm from baseline in the patients taking niacin, but showed no significant change in those taking ezetimibe (Zetia).
Similar type of study published in New England Journal of medicine, compared 2 treatment strategies, using standard statin therapy and either (Zetia) ezetimibe or extended release niacin, has come up to same conclusion that extended release niacin is superior than Zetia in reducing the thickness of carotid intima media. But statins lone did reduce the thickness of carotid or in other words did not reverse heart disease(Taylor AJ et al.NEnglJMed.2009;361[22]:2113-2122).

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among adults in the United States. CVD risk factors, including abnormal lipid levels and elevated body mass index (BMI), often emerge during childhood and adolescence . In 2008, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) established recommendations for targeted screening of youths who has abnormal blood lipids for 2 years. To provide prevalence data on abnormal lipid levels among youths, eligibility for lipid screening based on BMI, and eligibility for therapeutic lifestyle counseling among overweight youths, CDC analyzed results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) for 1999--2006. This report describes the results of that analysis, which found that the prevalence of abnormal lipid levels among youths aged 12--19 years was 20.3%. This prevalence varied by BMI; 14.2% of normal weight youths, 22.3% of overweight and 42.9% of obese had at least one abnormal lipid level. Among all youths, 32% had a high BMI and therefore would be candidates for lipid screening under AAP recommendations. Given the high prevalence of abnormal lipid levels among youths who are overweight and obese in this study, clinicians should be aware of lipid screening guidelines, especially recommendations for screening youths who are overweight or obese. Statin drugs intervention has been suggested on the assumption that it will prevent cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, while some others question use statins for such a long period of time. It is very sad that we do not want to take responsibility for our health. It is interesting to note that the more developed country, more issues with obesity, diabetes and hyperlipidemia, whereas developing countries has none of these issues. Nutrition, exercise, stress reduction is the MANTRA of good health, lesser than that we asking for trouble.
Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) January 22, 2010 / 59(02web page);29-33

Often I get these worried call from my patients saying that their specialist doctor has warned that there are potential side effects from vitamins and supplements and even can kill. According to study published In Journal Of Clinical Toxicology, a 174 page annual report (http://www.aapcc.org/dnn/Portals/0/2008annualreport.pdf), there was not even one death caused by a dietary supplement in 2008. 61 poison centers provided data for the U.S. National Poison Data System, which is then reviewed by 29 medical and clinical toxicologists. The same report documents 1,315 deaths from pharmaceuticals including 520 deaths from aspirin, acetaminophen, and NSAIDs. Cancer and heart disease is the leading cause of death, third leading cause of death is hospital errors, surgical procedures, pharmaceutical drugs, doctor’s mistakes and drug interactions. It is ironic that we do not promote healthy living life style, but are willing to distribute pharmaceuticals drugs and often unwanted surgical procedures like candies.

With new alerts and warnings being issued on an almost hourly basis - with words like "pandemic" and even "plague" now being used - it's hard not to be concerned about the swine flu outbreak. Although CDC (Center for Disease Control) is on hold issuing next warning and now toned down from the previous warnings. The WHO (World Health Organization) has decided not to raise its alert to a full pandemic, since the virus has yet to cause sustained transmission outside North America. More than 100 people have died in Mexico. But to put this in to perspective, every year more than 36,000 people die with influenza virus.
Health care authorities, politicians, and media spokespeople cite statistics, issue travel advisories, and point to maps showing the rapid worldwide spread of the virus. While authorities reassure us that a new vaccine is being developed, and anti-flu medications are being "stockpiled," they continue to fuel the fear that we are on the brink of imminent disaster. Most of us are left wondering whether we should travel, visit public places, or send our children to school.
In the face of this growing panic, I believe a dose of healthy skepticism is good medicine. A brief look back at the history of flu outbreaks sheds new light on the current situation. The established public health response to viral outbreaks of the flu in recent years has been less than perfect. The side effects and complications associated with flu vaccines, which can be debilitating or even fatal, are never mentioned. And as usual, herbal, natural and nutritional therapies to prevent and ease the effects of viral infections are almost never mentioned. But it will certainly sell billions of dollar worth of Tamiflu, which yet to prove its effectiveness.
Although the strain of the flu virus spreading through human-to-human contact today appears to be unique, this is not the first appearance of swine flu. More than thirty years ago, in 1976, a swine flu "pandemic" was declared, and a public health effort was launched to vaccinate millions of people worldwide. As it turned out, the swine flu pandemic never materialized, but the vaccine itself claimed its own casualties. Within a few months after vaccinations began, 25 people had died, and $1.3 billion in claims had been filed by people who suffered paralysis due to the vaccine. Hundreds more developed crippling Guillain-Barré Syndrome, in which muscle paralysis can lead to respiratory failure and even death. Tragically, healthy young adults ended up as paraplegics.
As an Ayurvedic and Naturopathic practitioner, I find events such as these particularly frustrating. The complex balances involved in human health are poorly understood and inadequately addressed in the mainstream medical establishment. According to the prevailing mentality, the swine flu virus is on the loose and the only solution is a one-size-fits-all vaccine. Simple, natural therapies such as curcumin (turmeric) and garlic can reduce the viral load on the body, ease inflammation and strengthen natural immunities without the risk of injurious side effects.
The more recent history of the bird flu virus offers a strong case in point. Beginning in 2003, the avian flu virus began to appear in Asia. First in Vietnam, then in China, Hong Kong and Singapore, a massive public health effort was launched to dispense vaccinations as widely as possible and millions of birds were slaughtered. Ironically, however, it was traditional Chinese herbal medicine that provided one of the most effective therapies. Curcuma longa, widely known as turmeric, acts as a natural preventative against many flu viral strains. Turmeric's active ingredients, called curcuminoids, have been shown in laboratory investigations to have powerful antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.1
Like the original deadly influenza of 1918 and the original swine flu, the current viral strain appears to over stimulate the body's natural immune system. This explains the fact that most of the deaths so far have occurred in relatively young patients with robust immune systems. The swine flu virus appears to activate a response known as the cytokine storm, in which large amounts of immune system hormones (cytokines) are produced. Left unregulated, this inflammation can lead to respiratory and organ failure. In most cases, deaths occur when excess fluids accumulate in the respiratory system. According to the CDC, like seasonal flu, symptoms of swine flu infections can include:

• fever, which is usually high
• cough
• runny nose or stuffy nose
• sore throat
• body aches
• headache
• chills
• fatigue or tiredness, which can be extreme
• Diarrhea and vomiting

The beauty of using turmeric against flu is that it's a natural protease inhibitor. In order to affect the respiratory tract, the flu virus needs the proteasome enzyme complex. Curcuminoids inhibit the release of these enzymes, leaving the virus unable to replicate itself. Since turmeric is a natural food substance, I believe that taking it regularly can provide a safe and effective anti-flu therapy.
During my more than 30 years of medical practice, I have never used influenza vaccinations for myself or my family. In spite of exaggerated exposure to these germs, I have warded off the flu with care and natural remedies only. My best advice to my patients is to use simple, common sense measures to strengthen their natural immunities and avoid infection.
When my patients ask me how they can avoid the flu, this is the advice I give them:

• Do deep breathing exercises (outside if possible), and circulate more fresh air throughout your home. Exercise regularly. Walking for 45 minutes a day will increase the body's immune defense mechanism. However, do not over-exert yourself. Exercising longer than 90 minutes per day may actually increase your risk of upper respiratory infections.
• Reduce the "allergenic load" in your home. Carpets, gas heaters, wood burning fireplaces, fungi, mold and chemicals of any kind can weaken your immune system. Consider using electrostatic and charcoal filters in your house to clean the air.
• Reduce your sugar and dairy intake. Eat fruits and vegetables instead. Winter is a holiday season when we tend to consume a lot of sugar. According to published studies, seven tablespoons of sugar a day retards the immune system dramatically. One can of soda contains nearly four tablespoons of sugar. Avoid foods you are allergic to.
• Take antioxidants. My personal favorites are combination of Amla ( Emblica officinalis), Guduchi( Tinospora cordifolia), Tulsi( Ocimum sanctum), Vasaka( Adhatoda vasica), Bahera( Terminalia bellerica), Mulathi ( Glycyrrhiza glabra)Tikatu and Amla products made into a paste. (For more information about these herbs, please visit www.ayush.com) These are natural source of anti-oxidants and an excellent immune builder. Add to this vitamin D3 5000 IU twice a day, Ayurvedic herbs can also be taken, such as Triphla and Trikatu( one three times per day), Holy Basil standardized extract (250 mg three times per day) and Curcumin (250 mg three times per day). When you have a cold or an upper respiratory infection, drink ginger, licorice and holy basil tea. Garlic and green tea also have immune balancing properties. Drink plenty of warm fluids. Add fish oil one teaspoon three times per day.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap solution. A study of day-care centers showed that people who washed their hands frequently got 50 percent fewer colds than those who didn't. I do not like antibacterial soaps because they sometimes force the body to develop drug-resistant bacteria. Avoid frequent touching of your nose, eyes and ears.
• Get at least seven to eight hours of sleep every night. Studies have shown that a lack of sleep can increase your chances of catching a cold.
• Avoid and reduce stress. Mental and emotional weaknesses have an effect on the physical system and actually increase your chances of catching cold. Perform yoga or tai chi and spend quality time with your friends and family. A study published in The Journal of American Medical Association found that people, who report three or less social ties, such as with friends, family, coworkers or community groups, are more than four times at risk of catching a cold than those with six or more such ties.
  
• Do not use antibiotics indiscriminately. Antibiotics have no benefits and can weaken your immune system. According to a study published by The Journal of American Medical Association, 50 percent of the patients suffering with colds, upper respiratory infections and bronchitis demanded antibiotic prescriptions. Most of the upper respiratory infections are caused by viruses. Antibiotics are effective against bacteria. Overuse of antibiotics can leave the body vulnerable to antibiotic-resistant bacteria which can be life threatening.

Ayurveda teaches that health is a matter of balance. Disease is the result of an underlying imbalance. Our bodies are constantly bombarded by contagions, and if these were the only cause of disease, we would be sick all the time. I believe that a balanced immune system is key in the quest for health and the conquest of disease. Learn to listen to your body and treat its imbalances in a holistic way. In the end, you are your own best physician.