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February 2, 2010
A recent double-blind clinical trial from Austria found that giving fish oil to people with warning signs of schizophrenia. Half of the young adults in the study were given a fish oil supplement containing 1200mg of EPA and DHA for 12 weeks. The other half took placebo. At the end of the study, only 4.9% of the fish oil group progressed to full-blown disease, compared to 27.5% in the placebo group. This impressive 80% risk reduction is unparalleled in the psychiatry literature and will certainly lead to a larger trial to confirm the findings.
Fish oil is good for the brain, which is over 60% fat. Depression, anxiety, dementia, bipolar disorder, ADHD ... it should be considered an important addition to any integrative treatment plan for the mind and brain.
October 22, 2009
The Faculty of Medicine at the University of Ottawa has responded to student interest by creating an innovative new curriculum in integrative medicine. This will be a 20-hour core set of lectures, workshops and seminars that will introduce future physicians to different Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) therapies. It will also provide an overview of natural medicines that have been clinically demonstrated to be safe and effective treatments for a wide range of health problems.
This is the first step towards establishing a Centre for Integrative Medicine at the University of Ottawa, which is one important vision of the Seekers Centre. Future efforts will be focused on creating:
July 31, 2009
A recent review of 55 studies examined the differences in nutrient content between organic fruits and vegetables and those that are grown using industrial fertilizers and pesticides. The authors concluded that there was no difference between the two because they contained the same levels of a few vitamins and minerals.
This is important information. The problem with the study is that we now know that the nutrients we typically measure are the least important factors in determining the health benefits of a plant food. Plants make thousands of different complex molecules that are responsible for most of the healing properties of food. They are called phytonutrients, and many of them are made in response to stress or infection. Fertilizers eliminate most plant stress, and pesticides prevent any infection. This means the plants don't have to protect themselves. So they don't make phytonutrients. So they are not very useful to eat.
One example is resveratrol in grapes. This anti-fungal substance is believed to be the reason why people who drink red wine live longer. Non-organic grapes contain virtually no resveratrol. That is too bad, because it is the prototype of the sirtuins that prevent age-related DNA damage and may prolong human life. All grapes contain the same vitamins, but not the same phytonutrients. So eat organic.
July 31, 2009
In this large case-control study, women who had their ovaries removed were much more likely to develop lung cancer and heart disease. This is the second study published within the past year indicating that estrogens have a protective effect on several diseases. This is the basis for bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). All of the studies demonstrating risks of synthetic HRT do not apply to natural hormones. We need large clinical trials demonstrating the safety and efficacy of natural hormones. The pharmaceutical estrogens come from the urine of pregnant horses, and it should come as no surprise that they are more toxic to humans than the estrogens women make themselves.
July 30, 2009
In a recent study, 85 children in London, England were given Tamiflu for prevention after a classmate was diagnosed with the H1N1 swine flu. More than half experienced side-effects, including nausea, stomach pain and insomnia. Almost 20% of them had a 'neuropsychiatric side-effect' such as thinking problems, strange behaviour or nightmares. Media coverage of this subject has been irresponsible; the risk of dying of swine flu is less than the risk of dying of the common cold.
April 12, 2009
Some studies have found that omega-3 fats in fish oil help people with osteoarthritis (OA). Others found no benefit, but they used olive oil as the placebo. Brazilian researchers treated 43 people with OA with either soy oil, 3 grams of omega-3 or 3 grams of omega-3 with 10 grams of olive oil. The group that got both oils improved more, and improved sooner. Olive oil also reduces inflammation. Use it as often as you can - but don’t cook with it. It loses its healing action when it is heated. Fish oil is good for the heart and brain, but only high doses will help OA. The low-fat myth is officially dead in most circles: the right fats are very good for you. Eat plenty of nuts, avocado, olive oil. Unless you are vegan, you can enjoy local eggs and organic butter and cheese too.April 12, 2009
Folic acid is a nutrient involved in making serotonin. Deficiency is common, and has been linked with depression in many studies. A meta-analysis of 3 controlled trials of 247 patients concluded that folic acid supplementation helps people with depression. When added to drug therapy, folic acid improved scores on a standardized questionnaire in all three studies. Ask your doctor to measure your blood levels of folic acid. It helped people with normal levels in one study, but if your levels are low, you should definitely take more. It is safe to use 400-800 micrograms daily. B12 helps too, so check those levels at the same time.April 12, 2009
Crohn’s is an autoimmune disease that affects the intestines. Endorphins are one of the links between the immune and nervous systems. Research suggests that low-dose naltrexone increases endorphin levels in the body. In this study, 17 patients with Crohn’s were given 4.5mg of naltrexone nightly. After 12 weeks, 89% of patients had improved, and 67% were in remission. This is not a placebo-controlled study, and it only involved 17 patients. But 67% remission is spectacular. This very low dose of a drug that has been used for decades is a safe option that every person with Crohn’s should consider.
Am J Gastroenterol 2007;102:820
April 12, 2009
Many people take acid-lowering drugs like Pantoloc, Nexium, Pariet to treat heartburn. These drugs block stomach acid - which we need in order to absorb calcium. Researchers compared 13,556 people who fractured their hips and 136,000 people who did not. Those taking the most acid-blocking drugs for the longest time were 2.65 times more likely to have broken a hip. The longer the drug use, the higher the risk. These drugs should only be used for a few weeks to treat ulcers. Their overuse is a major problem because they also increase the risk of infection. Many people with heartburn or acid reflux actually do not produce enough stomach acid. We have a pH capsule test that guides our treatment.April 12, 2009
The family of statin drugs that lower cholesterol generate almot $100 billion in revenue for the drug industry. These drugs are all based on chemicals naturally present in red yeast rice (RYR). In this study, 79 people with high cholesterol were given either 600mg of RYR or a placebo twice daily for 8 weeks. This lowered LDL (bad) cholesterol by 26% and improved several cholesterol ratios. Although they were not reported in the study, research suggests that RYR also causes fewer problems with muscle pain and liver toxicity. A recent trial found that side-effects of statin drugs were improved by taking a Coenzyme Q10 supplement.April 12, 2009
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition that kills
insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. There are many theories about
its cause but no real treatment. 1770 infants at risk - by genetic testing or a sibling with
the disease - were identified at the age of two. Their intake of
omega-3 was estimated based on annual questionnaires and measured in
blood. Those who got the most omega-3 were up to 77% less likely to
develop the disease. Omega-3 is found in salmon and other cold-water fish. The
fats in flax and the omega-3-enriched foods are mostly useless. Salba
and krill are good vegetarian sources. Research suggest that vitamin D
in pregnancy prevents diabetes, and some suggest it is related to
infection in pregnancy.
J Am Med Assoc 2007;298:1420.
March 29, 2009
A recent review of all the clinical trials ever studying vitamin D and osteoporotic fractures was recently published. The authors found 20 clinical trials involving over 83,000 people. When doses of 400 IU or more were used, the risk of hip fracture - which can be a life-altering event with almost 50% one-year mortality - fell by 18%. When the authors examined separately the people who were not institutionalized - those who lived independently and walked regularly - the benefit of vitamin D was even greater. It reduced fractures by 29%. We check vitamin D levels and recommend at least 1000 IU daily. Read here.March 29, 2009
The following is a list of accredited Continuing Medical Education events at which Dr. Nahas has been an invited lecturer for groups of medical doctors about integrative medicine.
Mercury - Health risks and detoxification. American College for Advancement in Medicine, Las Vegas, November 2009.
CAM therapies for Blood Pressure Reductions: an evidence-based review Ontario College of Family Physicians, Toronto, November 2009.
Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. The 57th annual Refresher Course for Family Physicians. Ottawa Hospital, Civic Campus. 25 April 2008.
An introduction to Integrative Medicine. Ottawa Community Health Centre CME day. Dominion-Chalmers United Church. September 2008.
Other events at which Dr. Nahas has been an invited speaker:
Integrative Medicine Perspectives. Complementary Medicine and Interprofessionalism Conference. Complementary Medicine Interest Group, University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine. March 2009.
An Introduction to Integrative Medicine. University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine first year lecture. Sept 2007.
March 29, 2009
We are putting together a series to teach physicians about the most evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine therapies for common diseases. The citations for these articles can be found here:
March 27, 2009
There are currently no positions available. Keep checking for new developments.
If you are interested in our vision and would like to volunteer at the Seekers Centre, please send your CV and letter of interest to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Thanks for you interest!
March 11, 2009
Click here to read what the Globe and Mail had to say about the TACT trial.
The Ottawa Citizen provides more extensive coverage of the trial here.
A group of anti-chelation physicians who receive consulting fees from a malpractice law firm complained about TACT - read more here.
TACT was halted by the NIH in Oct 2008 so that their objections could be investigated. The conclusion was that TACT was absolutely acceptable, and enrolment resumed in early 2009. It remains fully registered with the NIH whose site you can visit here.
March 10, 2009
We are one of over 100 centres across North America enrolling patients in a large double blind study of chelation therapy. It is sponsored by the United States National Institutes of Health. If you are 50 years or older and have suffered a heart attack, you may be able to join the study.
Heart disease is the number one killer in the developed world. Standard treatments have saved millions of lives but the number of people with cardiovascular problems continues to grow.
For over fifty years, thousands of patients have used chelation therapy to treat their heart disease. Its use is widespread but controversial - while many patients claim it changed their lives, doctors are skeptical - and the research evidence is inconclusive. This is the reason the US government is funding a large double-blind study to measure its safety and effectiveness.
This is the largest study ever conducted on chelation therapy. It was designed by a team of cardiologists and integrative medicine specialists and participants include institutions like the Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins University.
TACT offers Ottawa area residents a unique opportunity to participate in an important study of an alternative therapy. There is no cost to participate in the study and participants will also receive vitamins and mineral supplements.
See the news coverage of our participation in the study
July 29, 2008
In the world of medicine, the most solid kind of proof comes from something called a meta-analysis. People who do meta-analysis focus on a specific treatment for a particular condition. They find every clinical trial that has ever studied it and combine their results in a very specific way. A good meta-analysis follows rules set out for doing them properly to eliminate any possible bias, inaccuracy or other problem.A meta-analysis of 11 randomized, double-blind clinical trials involving over 500 patients with high blood pressure was recently published online by BioMed Central. The authors concluded that garlic extract at doses of 600-900mg significantly lowers blood pressure. Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury - mmHg. The reduction seen in the garlic trials was 8.4 mmHg for systolic pressure and 7.9 mmHg for diastolic pressure. This is impressive - and better than most prescription drugs can do.
April 29, 2008
Chelation therapy is widely used to treat many health problems, and is the subject of an NIH-sponsored clinical trial in heart disease. A recent clinical trial reported that chelation slows down kidney failure, a growing cause of death and disability that is closely linked to diabetes and high blood pressure. The study is the third consecutive clinical trial of chelation therapy done at the Lin-Kou Medical Center in Taiwan. Their previous research, published in th the New England Journal of Medicine showed that chelation slowed kidney failure people with high lead levels. This this study found similar benefits in people with normal lead levels.
In the study, 112 people with early kidney failure were given intravenous (IV) infusions of EDTA or a placebo as needed over 48 months. At the end of those 4 years, those who got chelation had much less progression of their disease. The test used to measure this called creatinine, which is used to follow the once inevitable decline to dialysis. This is the third clinical trial showing positive results in kidney failure.
March 31, 2008
The earliest recorded medical conference took place over 2000 years ago in what is now India. Since then, symposia, seminars and conferences have been an important tool for physicians to continue to learn and grow. We have gathered a list that may be useful to health practitioners.
The Seekers Centre presents Cardiovascular Health: an Integrative Approach on June 19th, 2008 (6pm-9pm). This is a first of a series of seminars providing an overview of evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies for the treatment of specific diseases. It is suitable for naturopaths and other practitioners who treat patients with coronary artery disease, stroke or cardiac risk factors. Click here to see the full details on the program and how to register. Space is limited, so registration by June 5 to reserve your seat.
An exciting new Toronto-based conference will deal with Integrative, Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Mental Health in May 2008.
There are two integrative medicine conferences per year organized by the American College for Advancement in Medicine which also promotes chelation therapy and other intravenous therapies.
There are also annual conferences held by the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians and the American Holistic Medical Association.
A wide range of courses can be found on a site maintained by publishers of a newsletter named The Townsend Letter.
Integrative Medicine research meetings are listed on the Consortium of Academic Health Centers for Integrative Medicine website. A good one is presented by the International Society for Complementary Medicine Research
Basic acupuncture points and technique can be learned in intensive seminars offered around the world. In Canada, the most widely known are offered by The Acupuncture Foundation of Canada and McMaster University.
The American Academy of Medical Acupuncture also offers excellent training and maintains a good acupuncture event calendar. There are also annual conferences offered by the American Academy of Oriental Medicine.
A good medicinal plant conference calendar is maintained by the American Society of Pharmacognosy. Another great resource is the website of the American Botanical Council and their journal called Herbalgram.
Practitioners (and anyone else) interested in a valuable 10-day intensive meditation course should consider those offered in Vipassana meditation
The Center for Mind-Body Medicine offers professional training courses in Washington DC
An more rigorous approach to the subject of subtle energy in healing is held by the International Society for the Study of Subtle Energies and Energy Medicine
February 8, 2008
A recent review of all the clinical trials looking at acupuncture and in-vitro fertilization was published by the British Medical Journal. There is good evidence that patients undergoing in-vitro fertilization had much more success when they received acupuncture at the same time. The odds of achieving pregnancy were 65% higher, and the odds of carrying that pregnancy to delivery of a live baby were an even more impressive 91% higher. Read a news article here.January 19, 2008
A recent survey of staff at hundreds of Botanical Gardens from around the world confirms our fears: many plants with the potential to treat or cure the diseases of mankind will soon disappear forever. We hope that people around the world will soon grasp the deep truth at the core of this issue: all Life is One. If we continue to destroy life in the eternal quest for economic growth, our lives will meet the same fate. Stay tuned as we become more directly involved in the effort to save these gifts of nature; contact us to help. Read the BBC article.October 9, 2007
Many large population studies suggest that up to 40% of the population is deficient in vitamin D. These people have up to twice the risk of several cancers, including colon cancer, breast cancer and prostate cancer - which are some of the biggest killers. Most people over 50 should supplement with 1000-2000 units of vitamin D3 every day. Read a newspaper review of the most recent study here