Cross-sectional study of self-reported physical activity, eating habits and use of complementary medicine in breast cancer survivors.

BACKGROUND: Besides conventional adjuvant therapies, many breast cancer survivors engage in various activities like exercise, diet and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in order to improve their prognosis. Little is known about specific interests and willingness to participate in institutional programs (e.g. exercise classes). METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study in patients with early breast cancer assessing current physical activity (PA, e.g. 30 minutes brisk walking), attention to eating habits ("diet"), use of CAM, and interest in learning more about these fields. Patients indicating interest in PA counselling received a voucher for a free instruction by a certified physiotherapist. Data were analysed for factors predictive for engagement in the three fields using a stepwise multivariate logistic approach. RESULTS: Of 342 consecutive patients, 232 (69%) reported to be physically active more than once per week, 299 (87%) paying special attention to nutrition (in most cases fruits, "balanced diet", low fat), and 159 (46%) use of CAM (vitamins, special teas, homeopathy, herbal medicine, mistletoe). Factors predictive for PA were use of CAM, higher age, and fewer worries about the future. Swiss nationality at birth, physical activity and higher education were predictive for diet; whereas physical activity, higher education and lower age were predictive for use of CAM. No associations between any of the above variables and breast cancer characteristics were found. Around half of the patients reported interest in receiving more information and willingness to attend special counselling. Of 166 vouchers, only 7 (4%) were eventually utilized. CONCLUSIONS: A high proportion of breast cancer survivors report PA, following a specific diet and use of CAM. There were no disease related factors associated with such pursuits, but an association between patient related factors and these fields was observed suggesting general health awareness in some patients. Around half of the patients were interested in more information and indicated willingness to participate in institutional programs. Impact on disease specific and general health including health economic aspects warrants further research.

The frequency of dietary references in homeopathic consultations.

A retrospective quantitative study on dietary references found in medical records of 2753 patients attending consultations from 10/1/1994 to 5/31/2007 was conducted. The symptoms found in the rubrics relating to food and drink aggravation and amelioration, aversion and craving of homeopathic repertories reflect diets at different places and times and do not correspond fully, to contemporary gastronomy. Desires for sweet and spicy foods were statistically more frequent, revealing the prevailing taste for such food among the studied population. Food cravings should be carefully analyzed before considering them as indications for choosing homeopathic therapy, they are less significant than aversions, aggravations and ameliorations.

Honeybees foraging response in genetically diversified opium poppy.

Studies were carried out on honeybees foraging on plant flowers. Results showed significantly higher foraging response of honeybees (Apis mellifera) in genetically divergent narcotic plant opium poppy (Papaver somniferum). Of the 18 mutants and two locally adapted cultivars of diverse genotypes screened, eight revealed significantly greater foraging response manifesting honeybee's preference towards specific plant morphotypes. The number of flower bloom did not correspond to number of foraging bees in both mutant and cultivar plant types of opium poppy. The genotype specific foraging response of honeybees could be attributed to physico-chemical properties of opium poppy flowers. This could have implications for the development of opium alkaloid fortified honeys for novel pharmaceuticals and isolation of natural spray compounds to attract honeybee pollinators for promoting crossing and sustainable hybridity in crops.

Infant Feeding Practices in a Multi-Ethnic Asian Cohort: The GUSTO Study.

The optimal introduction of complementary foods provides infants with nutritionally balanced diets and establishes healthy eating habits. The documentation of infant feeding practices in multi-ethnic Asian populations is limited. In a Singapore cohort study (GUSTO), 842 mother-infant dyads were interviewed regarding their feeding practices when the infants were aged 9 and 12 months. In the first year, 20.5% of infants were given dietary supplements, while 5.7% took probiotics and 15.7% homeopathic preparations. At age 9 months, 45.8% of infants had seasonings added to their foods, increasing to 56.3% at 12 months. At age 12 months, 32.7% of infants were given blended food, although 92.3% had begun some form of self-feeding. Additionally, 87.4% of infants were fed milk via a bottle, while a third of them had food items added into their bottles. At both time points, more than a third of infants were provided sweetened drinks via the bottle. Infants of Indian ethnicity were more likely to be given dietary supplements, have oil and seasonings added to their foods and consumed sweetened drinks from the bottle (p < 0.001). These findings provide a better understanding of variations in infant feeding practices, so that healthcare professionals can offer more targeted and culturally-appropriate advice.

Folklore and food habits.

The folklore surrounding food habits developed from uncertainty and fear in mankind's quest for food. In an attempt to gain control of his destiny, man developed various magical practices which would perhaps assure an abundance of food. The practice and beliefs did not develop haphazardly, but, on examination, reveal a type of "folk logic" explained by Sir James Frazer's concepts of contagious and homeopathic magic. The "logic" was extended to specific practices in preparing foods, eating of foods on special days, the use of food in curing certain diseases, and forbidding foods at certain times. The folk were attempting to coordinate the phenomena of their world according to cause and effect much the same as modern Americans coordinate their world. However, the basic assuptions were different.

Strychnos nux-vomica extract and its ultra-high dilution reduce voluntary ethanol intake in rats.

OBJECTIVES: To see whether Strychnos nux-vomica extract (mother tincture [MT]), its potency Nux 30c, and its principal alkaloid, strychnine, could reduce voluntary ethanol intake in rats. To analyze the solution structure of Nux MT, Nux 30c, 90% ethanol, and ethanol 30c by means of electronic (ES) and nuclear nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra. DESIGN: Potentially alcoholic rats were first given 20% ethanol and then kept on a two-choice bottle, one with 20% ethanol and another with tap water. These rats were given the following oral treatments for 15 days: group 1, control; group 2, strychnine at 0.36 mg/kg per day; group 3, ethanolic extract of S. nux-vomica seeds (Nux MT) at 3.6 mg/kg per day; and group 4, Nux 30c at 0.05 mL/d per rat. Nux 30c was prepared by successive dilution of Nux MT and 90% ethanol (1:100) and sonication at 20 kHz for 30 seconds in 30 steps. RESULTS: Both Nux MT and Nux 30c significantly reduced ethanol intake and increased water intake in rats. ES of two dilutions of Nux MT and Nux 30c showed intersections at more than one point suggesting existence of molecular complexes. ES of Nux MT in CCl4 showed a red shift when 90% ethanol was added indicating molecular complexation and charge transfer interaction between ethanol and Nux compounds. NMR spectra of Nux MT, 90% ethanol, ethanol 30c, and Nux 30c indicated a change in solution structure of the medium (90% ethanol) of Nux 30c. CONCLUSION: Nux MT and Nux 30c could reduce ethanol intake in rats. The altered solution structure of Nux 30c is thought to mimic Nux MT and produce ethanol aversion in rats.

[Bionomics and breeding of ant-lion].

Ant-lion is a Chinese crude drug. The natural factors, such as temperature, humidity, illumination, etc, have an obvious influence upon its growth and movement. The temperature fit to its growth ranges from 25-30 degrees C and lighting 14-16 h/d. If giving enough food, it can reproduce 3 generations per year.

Opium as a risk factor for upper gastrointestinal cancers: a population-based case-control study in Iran.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal cancers, including esophageal, gastric, liver and pancreatic are relatively common in Iran. Furthermore, consumption of opium and its derivatives (O&D) are considerable. This study, aimed to examine the association between consumption of O&D and the incidence of upper gastrointestinal (UGI) cancers. METHODS: In a matched case-control study in Kerman (located in southeast of Iran), 142 patients with UGI cancers and 284 healthy people (matched in terms of age, sex and residence (urban/rural)) were recruited. Variables (using O&D, smoking, alcohol use and diet) were collected using a structured questionnaire. Conditional logistic regression models were used to assess the above mentioned association. RESULTS: Opium use was associated with an increased risk of UGI cancers with an adjusted OR 4.0 (95% CI=2.2-7.0). A very strong dose-response relation was observed between consumption of O&D and the incidence of UGI cancers. (Three consumption levels-none, low and high; OR=18.7; 95% CI=5.5-63.3). This dose-response relationship was also strong even in patients with gastric cancers (OR=9.2; 95% CI=2.5-33.7). CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that opium consumption can be a strong risk factor for UGI cancers in Iran.

Factores bioquímicos y biofísicos que intervienen o interfieren en el arte de curar / Biochemical and biophysical factors involved or interfere in the art of healing

El propósito de este trabajo es revisar los factores bioquímicos y biofísicos que intervienen o interfieren en el tratamiento homeopático y cómo la alimentación deficiente o mal equilibrada puede convertirse en un obstáculo para la curación. Hemos observado que el abordaje de temas relacionados con la alimentación surge en laconsulta homeopática desde el motivo de consulta de una patología relacionada,como dislipemia, diabetes (DBT), obesidad, hipertensión arterial (HTA), etcétera, odesde los deseos y aversiones. Pero raramente se aborda el tipo de alimentación en la consulta, pudiendo ser este punto un fuerte obstáculo.

The purpose of this paper is to review the biochemical and biophysical factors involved or interfere in the homeopathic treatment and how poor or poorly balanced diet can become an obstacle to healing. We noted that addressing issues related to food arises in the homeopathic consultation from the complaint of a related disease , such as dyslipidemia , diabetes ( DBT ), obesity , high blood pressure ( hypertension ) , etc., or from the desires and dislikes. But the type of power rarely addressed in the consultation, this point can be a major obstacle.

Factores bioquímicos y biofísicos que intervienen o interfieren en el arte de curar / Biochemical and biophysical factors involved or interfere in the art of healing

El propósito de este trabajo es revisar los factores bioquímicos y biofísicos que intervienen o interfieren en el tratamiento homeopático y cómo la alimentación deficiente o mal equilibrada puede convertirse en un obstáculo para la curación. Hemos observado que el abordaje de temas relacionados con la alimentación surge en laconsulta homeopática desde el motivo de consulta de una patología relacionada,como dislipemia, diabetes (DBT), obesidad, hipertensión arterial (HTA), etcétera, odesde los deseos y aversiones. Pero raramente se aborda el tipo de alimentación en la consulta, pudiendo ser este punto un fuerte obstáculo. (AU)

The purpose of this paper is to review the biochemical and biophysical factors involved or interfere in the homeopathic treatment and how poor or poorly balanced diet can become an obstacle to healing. We noted that addressing issues related to food arises in the homeopathic consultation from the complaint of a related disease , such as dyslipidemia , diabetes ( DBT ), obesity , high blood pressure ( hypertension ) , etc., or from the desires and dislikes. But the type of power rarely addressed in the consultation, this point can be a major obstacle. (AU)

Discussing patients' drinking and eating habits in medical and homeopathic consultations.

We explore the variety of practices professionals and patients use whilst discussing patients' eating and drinking habits in general practice and in homeopathic consultations. Our aim is to show how the interaction is shaped, on the one hand, by the professionals' theories and goals and, on the other hand, by the participants' orientations to other contextual features. In these two fields of medicine the discussions on the patients' lifestyle have a different role in the healing process: in general practice, drinking is considered a possible health risk, but in homeopathy, information concerning patients' eating and drinking habits is needed for defining the patients' idiosyncratic characteristics. This difference is indicated in the ways in which the professionals deliver their questions about patients' lifestyles and in the ways in which the patients design their responses and the discussion develops. However, the practices used by the participants also reflect their orientation to the institution-related tasks, such as maintaining professional neutrality and being a good patient, as well as to the wider cultural norms and discourses concerning socially appropriate behavior outside the institution. We also discuss the extent to which these different orientations are consistent or inconsistent with the professionals' theories and goals.

Cuidados alimentares e fatores associados em Canoas, RS, Brasil / Concerns about eating habits and associated factors in Canoas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil

Foi realizado um estudo transversal, de base populacional, com 1.951 indivíduos de 14 anos e mais, com o objetivo deinvestigar a associação entre cuidados alimentares e variáveis demográficas, socioeconômicas e outros hábitos relacionados à saúde em Canoas-RS. Desses, 45 por cento referiram consumo de gorduras sem restrições, 61 por cento de doces, 64 por cento de carnes e 81 por cento de farinhas/massas. Ao consumo de carnes sem restrições, associaram-se: sexo masculino; escolaridade entre cinco e oitoanos; idade ≤59 anos; consumo de gorduras e farinhas/massas sem restrições; e não uso de homeopatia. Ao consumo de gorduras sem restrições, associaram-se: sexo masculino; escolaridade ≤8 anos; idade ≤59 anos; auto-percepção de vida não-saudável; tabagismo; uso de álcool, não uso de chás e medicamentos; consumo de carnes, doces e farinhas/massas semrestrições; não realização de exames preventivos. Ao consumo de doces sem restrições, associaram-se: idade ≤59 anos; autopercepção de vida não-saudável; consumo de gorduras e farinhas/massas sem restrições. Ao consumo de farinhas/massassem restrições, associaram-se: sexo masculino, idade ≤59 anos; consumo de carnes, gorduras e doces sem restrições. As associações evidenciadas entre ausência de cuidados alimentares e outros hábitos relacionados ao uso de álcool e tabaco, fatores de risco para doenças crônico-degenerativas, apontam para a necessidade da implementação de políticas intersetoriaisde promoção da saúde.

A cross-sectional population-based study was conducted with 1,951 individuals aged >14 years old to investigate the association between concerns about eating habits and eating habits and demographic, socio-economic, and other health-related habits in residents of Canoas, Rio Grande do Sul. Individuals reported unrestricted consumption of fats (45 percent), meat (64 percent), sweets (61 percent), and flours/pastas (81 percent). The variables associated with unrestricted consumption of meat were: male sex; five to eight years of schooling; people with unrestricted consumption of fats and flours/pastas; and no homeopathic treatment. The variables associated with unrestricted consumption of fats were: male sex; individuals with 8 years of schooling or less; self-perception of their unhealthy lifestyle; smoking; alcohol consumption, no tea drinking and nonuse of medication; unrestricted consumption of meats, sweets and flours/pastas, and absence of preventive exams. The factors associated with unrestricted consumption of sweets were self-perception of their unhealthy lifestyle; and unrestricted consumption of fats and flours/pastas. The variables associated with unrestricted consumption of flours/pastas were: male sex; and unrestricted intake of fats, meats and sweets. Regarding the age group, unrestricted consumption for all variables was associated mainly with people aged less than 59 years old. Theassociations between eating habits and other risk factors for chronic diseases, like those related to alcohol and tobacco,point out the need for the plementation of health promotion inter-organizational policies.

Old and new controversies in the alternative treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has become widespread in both referral and primary care populations. We review the purported mechanism of action and available evidence for selected CAM therapies for ADHD. Enduring controversies, such as elimination of artificial food additives, colors, and/or preservatives; the effect of sugar on behavior in children; and the use of EEG biofeedback, have been well studied but lack support as effective sole treatments for ADHD. The initial evidence for some emerging CAM therapies, such as essential fatty acid supplementation, yoga, massage, homeopathy, and green outdoor spaces, suggests potential benefits as part of an overall ADHD treatment plan. More rigorously designed studies are needed to evaluate their effectiveness as single therapy for ADHD.

Golestan cohort study of oesophageal cancer: feasibility and first results.

To investigate the incidence of oesophageal cancer (EC) in the Golestan province of North-East Iran, we invited 1349 rural and urban inhabitants of Golestan province aged 35-80 to undergo extensive lifestyle interviews and to provide biological samples. The interview was repeated on a subset of 130 participants to assess reliability of questionnaire and medical information. Temperature at which tea was consumed was measured on two occasions by 110 subjects. Samples of rice, wheat and sorghum were tested for fumonisin contamination. An active follow-up was carried out after 6 and 12 months. A total of 1057 subjects (610 women and 447 men) participated in this feasibility study (78.4% participation rate). Cigarette smoking, opium and alcohol use were reported by 163 (13.8%), 93 (8.8%) and 39 (3.7%) subjects, respectively. Tobacco smoking was correlated with urinary cotinine (kappa = 0.74). Most questionnaire data had kappa > 0.7 in repeat measurements; tea temperature measurement was reliable (kappa = 0.71). No fumonisins were detected in the samples analysed. During the follow-up six subjects were lost (0.6%), two subjects developed EC (one dead, one alive); in all, 13 subjects died (with cause of death known for 11, 84.6%). Conducting a cohort study in Golestan is feasible with reliable information obtained for suspected risk factors; participants can be followed up for EC incidence and mortality.

Diet and opiate addiction: a quantitative assessment of the diet of non-institutionalized opiate addicts.

The diet, weight and height of 38 non-institutionalized chronic opiate addicts have been assessed and compared to those of a random sample of the 20-35 year old general population of Canton Geneva, Switzerland. A history questionnaire was administered by specially trained dietitians. Results show that, after adjustment for age and alcohol intake, male addicts have the same caloric intake as non-addicts. However, addicts tend to replace foods that are rich in fat and proteins with foods rich in sucrose and relatively poor in vitamins and minerals. Beer is the major component of their much larger alcohol consumption. On the other hand, the body mass index (kg/m2) of the male addicts is within the normal range, suggesting this may not be a good indicator of their unbalanced diet. This study gives a quantitative assessment, in terms of nutrient intake, of the typical craving for sweet described by opiate addicts.

Risk factors for lung cancer in Singapore Chinese, a population with high female incidence rates.

The high incidence of lung cancer in Chinese females in Singapore, especially among those belonging to the Cantonese dialect group, and the relatively high rates in Chinese males have been studied by means of interviews of cases and controls. A significant dose-response effect of cigarette smoking was found for all male and female groups, but neither smoking nor any other exposure explains the high incidence of lung cancer observed in Cantonese females who exhibit high rates of adenocarcinoma appraently unrelated to smoking. In general, persons with a low consumption of green vegetables were at higher risk for lung cancer. This finding might be due to an increased susceptibility in the presence of a relative deficiency of vitamin A.

Salud alimentaria y medidas de prevención de las enfermedades crónico degenerativas, en la población de Tultepec, Estado de México, y su aplicación con el organon de la medicina / Food safety and prevention of chronic degenerative diseases, in the town of Tultepec, State of Mexico, and its application with the Organon of Medicine

La relación de los hábitos alimentarios con la salud y la enfermedad ha preocupado al hombre desde sus orígenes. El Organon de la medicina contiene los principios de la terapéutica homeopática, a manera de integrar, estudiar y conocer todo cuanto le afecta al enfermo tanto de su interior como de su medio para proveerle de la salud, con el objetivo de conservar la vida. El presente trabajo busca conocer la percepción de la población del municipio de Tultepec (Estado de México) sobre salud alimentaria y medidas de prevenciónde las enfermedades crónico-degenerativas. Se realizó un estudio de tipo exploratorio, y la muestra fue de n=80. Se aplicó una encuesta para conocer los hábitos dietéticos y los tipos de alimentos que se consumen frecuentemente, la ingesta de agua al día, el tipo de actividad física y los factores predisponentes parapadecer sobrepeso y obesidad, así como su relación con enfermedades crónicodegenerativas. Los resultados muestran que la población no tiene un concepto generalizado sobre salud alimentaria; las ideas son múltiples, dejando ver que existe un gran analfabetismo sobre hábitos alimentarios. Surge entonces la necesidad de poner límites, promover la actividad física, estimular pautas y conductas adecuadas para preservar la salud, basadas en el parágrafo 261 del Organon que dice que, tratándose de enfermedades crónicas, el régimen más apropiado consiste en eliminar todo lo que obstruya la recuperación, moral sin malicia, recreación intelectual, ejercicio activo al aire libre, alimentación y bebidas apropiadas y nutritivas.

The relationship of dietary health and disease has concerned man since its inception. The Organon of medicine contains the principles of homeopathic therapy, a way to integrate, explore and learn everything that affects the patient will both its interior and its environment to provide health, which aims to preserve life. The present study aims to determine the population perception of the health prevention of chronic degenerative diseases in the Tultepec municipality (Estado de Mexico). We conducted an exploratory study, the sample consisted of n=80, we applied a survey to assess the dietary habits and types of food consumed frequently, daily water intake, physical activity, and predisposing factors overweight and obesity and its relation to chronic degenerative diseases. The results show that the population does not have a generalized concept of health food, multiple ideas are revealing that there is great illiteracy on eating habits. This raises the need to set limits, promote physical activity, encourage appropriate behavior patterns and to preserve the health, based on paragraph 261 of the Organon it says, in the case of chronic diseases, the most appropriateregime is to remove everything that obstructs the recovery, without malice moral, intellectual recreation, active exercise outdoors, food and drink appropriate and nutritious.

Salud alimentaria y medidas de prevención de las enfermedades crónico degenerativas, en la población de Tultepec, Estado de México, y su aplicación con el Organon de la Medicina / Food safety and prevention of chronic degenerative diseases, in the town of Tultepec, State of Mexico, and its application with the Organon of Medicine

La relación de los hábitos alimentarios con la salud y la enfermedad ha preocupado al hombre desde sus orígenes. El Organon de la medicina contiene los principios de la terapéutica homeopática, a manera de integrar, estudiar y conocer todo cuanto le afecta al enfermo tanto de su interior como de su medio para proveerle de la salud, con el objetivo de conservar la vida. El presente trabajo busca conocer la percepción de la población del municipio de Tultepec (Estado de México) sobre salud alimentaria y medidas de prevenciónde las enfermedades crónico-degenerativas. Se realizó un estudio de tipo exploratorio, y la muestra fue de n=80. Se aplicó una encuesta para conocer los hábitos dietéticos y los tipos de alimentos que se consumen frecuentemente, la ingesta de agua al día, el tipo de actividad física y los factores predisponentes parapadecer sobrepeso y obesidad, así como su relación con enfermedades crónicodegenerativas. Los resultados muestran que la población no tiene un concepto generalizado sobre salud alimentaria; las ideas son múltiples, dejando ver que existe un gran analfabetismo sobre hábitos alimentarios. Surge entonces la necesidad de poner límites, promover la actividad física, estimular pautas y conductas adecuadas para preservar la salud, basadas en el parágrafo 261 del Organon que dice que, tratándose de enfermedades crónicas, el régimen más apropiado consiste en eliminar todo lo que obstruya la recuperación, moral sin malicia, recreación intelectual, ejercicio activo al aire libre, alimentación y bebidas apropiadas y nutritivas. (AU)

The relationship of dietary health and disease has concerned man since its inception. The Organon of medicine contains the principles of homeopathic therapy, a way to integrate, explore and learn everything that affects the patient will both its interior and its environment to provide health, which aims to preserve life. The present study aims to determine the population perception of the health prevention of chronic degenerative diseases in the Tultepec municipality (Estado de Mexico). We conducted an exploratory study, the sample consisted of n=80, we applied a survey to assess the dietary habits and types of food consumed frequently, daily water intake, physical activity, and predisposing factors overweight and obesity and its relation to chronic degenerative diseases. The results show that the population does not have a generalized concept of health food, multiple ideas are revealing that there is great illiteracy on eating habits. This raises the need to set limits, promote physical activity, encourage appropriate behavior patterns and to preserve the health, based on paragraph 261 of the Organon it says, in the case of chronic diseases, the most appropriateregime is to remove everything that obstructs the recovery, without malice moral, intellectual recreation, active exercise outdoors, food and drink appropriate and nutritious. (AU)