Entries by Chet Zelasko

PQQ: The Research

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PQQ was identified in the late 1970s, and since then there have been 796 studies of all types on PQQ (pyrroloquinoline quinone). The majority of those studies have been done in test tubes to determine exactly what PQQ is and what it does; those are necessary, but reveal little about its real impact on health. For that, you need clinical trials on human subjects.

There have been three studies done on humans (1,2,3); the total number of subjects has been less than 50. One study demonstrated that PQQ is absorbed when given as a supplement and had some . . .

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PQQ: Miracle in a Bottle

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The latest cure for your health problems has arrived. I know—I just watched the online infomercial. Or do they call it advertainment now?

It was presented by a cardiologist who is well respected in his field. The topic was arterial inflammation, AKA the cardiac killer, and what you could do about it. I was in.

What I saw were the “facts” about heart disease. Using an artist printing and drawing on a whiteboard with a voice over, I learned:

  • Cholesterol is not the cause of heart disease, the number one killer.
  • The Framingham Study gave . . .

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Observations: Easy to Believe

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In the past few months, I’ve gotten many questions about my thoughts on a video series that claims to reveal the truth about cancer. I watched as much as I could. When some parts were absolute fabrications, I just fast forwarded. There was nothing really new; I’d seen everything before over the years.

One of the basic premises was that the pharmaceutical industry is suppressing cures for cancer so they can make money selling treatments that won’t work. That’s a degree of cynicism that I don’t understand, and yet it’s something many people believe . . .

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Observations: One Thing

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Our pretend daughters helped me cut down a dead pine tree a couple of weeks ago (we don’t have any actual daughters, so we just chose two young women we especially liked and pretend they’re ours). I can remember when that pine was planted. It grew from about seven feet tall to well over 25 feet in 15 years. Every tree that was planted in our yard has grown like crazy and thrived. Why did this one die? It had plenty of water. We had a tree service feed and protect the trees against pests and diseases.

The . . .

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Observations: It Can’t Be Fun

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I need a mental break from the research and scientific analysis, and I’m thinking maybe you do, too. I like to observe life around me, so I’m going to share some observations this week.

The obesity rate is higher than it’s ever been according to a recent study (1). The two groups that are the fattest in the U.S. are Baby Boomer men and black women in any age group. I observe men my age as well as black women who are struggling just to walk. That can’t be fun to carry an extra 100 . . .

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Breast Cancer Follow-up Options

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After treatment for breast cancer, you have a decision to make: do you take the medication to prevent reoccurrence? The decision always lies with the individual after considering all options; my role is to explain the options based on the current research. It goes without question that everyone should try to have the healthiest lifestyle possible including diet, exercise, and supplements. Those will help improve the outcome, medication or not, but this is about whether to take the medication, so here we go.

 

The Medication Option

Basing the decision on current research, taking the letrozole would seem . . .

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Research on Breast Cancer Reoccurrence

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This week, I’m providing my answer to a long-time reader who asked what I thought about taking the estrogen-receptor blocking medication letrozole in light of some side-effects she had. One of the important considerations is how much the medication will help prevent breast cancer reoccurrence. It just so happens that the American Society of Clinical Oncology had their annual meeting last week, and one of the papers presented addressed the issue of long-term use of letrozole (1). Here’s what the abstract said.

Researchers recruited close to 2,000 women who previously had early-stage . . .

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A Breast Cancer Question

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If you’re a long-time reader, you know Paula had breast cancer that was successfully treated about 18 months ago. We’ve been through the process, so we know there are no easy answers when it comes to cancer treatment. The same is true for what to do after treatment. This week, I’m going to talk about a question someone recently asked me about post-cancer treatment for breast cancer. The question applies to Paula as well as the person who asked the question, and I think it may help any woman faced with the same question.

A . . .

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Calcium vs. Magnesium: Is It a Battle?

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Let’s finish up this calcium versus magnesium controversy that seems to exist by answering the last questions.

When should you take these minerals? My simple answer is any time you want. However, based on most research, taking calcium and magnesium with food will help with absorption. The reason ties back to the form being a non-issue. When you eat food, you release stomach acids which help break down food and that includes the supplements you take. Is it an oversimplification? Yes, but it’s one that doesn’t really matter. I’ll get to that later . . .

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The Controversy: Calcium vs. Magnesium

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When it comes to calcium and magnesium, the controversy seems to be about supplementation.

  • What is the best form of each mineral?
  • When should you take these minerals?
  • Do they interfere with each other?

I’ve read more of the research on these topics than I care to admit. I won’t give you chapter and verse answers; I’ll just give you what the totality of the research says.

What’s the best form of each mineral? It really doesn’t matter. Calcium carbonate and magnesium oxide are the most criticized . . .

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