Let me get this right. Conventional medicine says policosanol, vitamin E, and a host of other nutritional supplements are worthless — but they cause no harm.

On the other hand, doctors still recommend hormone replacement therapy (HRT) — even though it causes breast cancer.

What's wrong with this picture?

This is just one clear example of the bullying drug companies do to help sell their products.

When I was small, my parents insisted that I "play nice" with my brother. I was older and bigger than Hal, and I didn't always play fairly. In fact, one year we were given boxing gloves so we would fight according to some rules. I quickly put my gloves on and slugged Hal in the face, knocking out one of his baby teeth. I can still see him holding his gloves in his hands with a look of surprise. I deliberately took unfair advantage by being bigger and thinking quicker. Our parents weren't amused. They took away our boxing gloves and punished me severely. I learned that just because you're bigger and think faster doesn't mean it's okay to be a bully.

Drug companies are bullies. Bullies who are getting away with their antics without consequences. They lobby to change laws that favor their products over nutritional supplements to sell more drugs. No other industry spends as much on lobbying as pharmaceutical companies. And it pays off. Pfizer, the largest pharmaceutical company in the world, had $11.3 billion in profits last year.

Bashing supplements

Meanwhile, drug companies are quick to promote any studies that show nutritional supplements don't work. It doesn't matter that these studies are often flawed. Or that the news that reaches you often comes from press releases issued by the drug companies, not from investigative reporters who have read the study. The bottom line is money, not your health.

We saw this very clearly in December, when Pfizer was forced to take torcetrapib off the market because it caused more deaths and other problems than the researchers expected. The story was covered more in the financial press than the regular news media. This is all about the almighty dollar.

When a drug's patent expires, the pharmaceutical companies race to find new drugs to replace them. Then they encourage the media to bash natural solutions, often based on a single bad study. They know that every dollar you spend on a nutritional supplement is a dollar you don't spend on a drug. So expect pharmaceutical companies to continue their negative campaign against natural products.

Policosanol vs. statins

Take policosanol, for instance. A recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association said that policosanol, a natural nutrient found in sugar cane wax and rice, doesn't lower cholesterol or affect HDL and LDL cholesterol as previous studies had found. In fact, the very same authors published a review four years prior extolling its virtues. The press ignored this initial study. But they jumped all over the negative story.

The initial study concluded that "Policosanol seems to be a very promising phytochemical alternative to classic lipid-lowering agents such as the statins…." In fact, policosanol seems to work so well that it's a real threat to all drug companies that manufacture statins. Like Pfizer — the same corporation that recently was forced to stop selling a cholesterol-lowering drug because it was killing people.

Policosanol hasn't caused any deaths. And it works. Not every single time. Nothing does (not even the drugs). But often enough to try it instead of a drug with side effects.

Vitamin E

Then there was the study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine that announced that vitamin E doesn't improve cognitive function in women. It was a bad study. The researchers gave participants 600 IU of vitamin E every other day. Their memory didn't improve. I don't know about you, but I don't always remember to take a vitamin every other day. For me, it's every day or not at all. In addition to the problem of compliance, this study does not show what taking 600 IU or more of vitamin E every day would have done.

How was the participants' memory tested? Why, they were asked a few questions over the phone at two-year intervals. Enough said.

Supplements are not alike

There are numerous studies on the benefits of vitamin E. Some use synthetic vitamins, others use a natural form. Some study participants are given alpha tocopherol, while others take mixed tocopherols. There are many variables to explain why results from any one study turn out to be negative.

All forms of policosanol are not alike, as well. Some is made from sugar cane wax; some from rice. Each has a different fatty acid profile, which may explain why some policosanol products work better than others. The subject is more complex than drug companies would have you believe.

What you can do

Don't let pharmaceutical companies bully you. Don't believe the scare tactics you hear in the news about any supplements you're taking. Flawed studies are often used to frighten you away from taking supplements and make you feel more comfortable about taking prescription drugs. Don't be frightened away from Mother Nature. Instead, get more information before you take any action.

Here are some resources to help you with your search: My website, or American Botanical Council www.herbalgram.org, 512-926-4900), American Holistic Health Association (AHHA — www.ahha.org, 714-779-6152). And, of course, you can write me if you have questions.

Research your drugs. When you hear about a negative study on a drug you're either taking or are considering taking, first talk with your pharmacist about its benefits and risks. He or she should be up-to-date with current studies. Next, go to your local library or large bookstore and look up the drug in the latest PDR (Physician's Desk Reference). It will tell you some of the known side effects of that drug. If it doesn't sound safe to you, talk with your doctor about taking a safer alternative.

Agovino, T., "Demise of Pfizer's cholesterol drug shows need for changes in drug development, experts say," Canadian Press, December 9, 2006.

Berthold, H., et al. "Effect of policosanol on lipid levels among patients with hypercholesterolemia or combined hyperlipidemia," JAMA, 2006.

Berthold, J. and H., "Policosanol: clinical pharmacology and therapeutic significance of a new lipid-lowering agent," The American Heart Journal, vol. 143, 2002.

Kang, J.H., et al. "Randomized trial of vitamin E supplementation and cognitive function in women," Arch Intern Med, 2006.

Why Wearing a Bra Can Be Hazardous to Your Health

You may remember hearing that wearing a bra can cause breast cancer. This theory was popularized over a decade ago in a book Dressed to Kill by Sydney Ross Singer and his wife, Soma Grismaijer. Although the press ran with the story and sensationalized it, the authors admit theirs was a preliminary observational study they conducted with women based on a sound theory. Nothing more. Nothing less.

Syd Singer isn't saying that bras cause breast cancer — although that's the message the media ran with. He's suggesting that a tight bra can reduce lymphatic draining in the breast. And the longer a woman wears this kind of bra, the more their breasts can become congested with waste products. These toxins can then lead to breast cysts or breast cancer.

Recently, a doctor of integrative medicine who treats a lot of breast cancer patients mentioned this same association to me. So I decided to take a closer look at it. I found that bras may very well contribute to breast cancer, fibromyalgia, and breast pain in a number of ways. I'm not telling you to throw out your bras. But you may want to wear a different kind for shorter periods of time after you hear what I learned.

Bras reduce lymphatic drainage

Breast cancer treatment can contribute to a congested lymphatic system. Many women who have had surgery or radiation get lymphedema, a condition where lymph fluid in their breasts can't drain properly after their lymphatic system has been damaged. Most doctors caution these patients to wear a loose bra with no under-wires. They know that a tight bra can contribute to clogged lymphatics.

Singer and Grismaijer studied nearly 5,000 women in Fiji and found that women who wore their bras for 18-24 hours a day had over 100 times more cases of breast cancer than women who went bra-less! In fact, there was a greater association between breast cancer and wearing bras than between lung cancer and smoking! The longer women wore tight bras, the higher their risk.

Then a study out of the Harvard School of Public Health concluded that premenopausal women who don't wear bras have half the risk of getting breast cancer than women who wear bras. Preliminary information? Yes. Theory? Yes. But one that makes sense.

When your lymphatic system becomes congested, toxic wastes can settle in breast tissues and become re-absorbed. Some of these substances are carcinogenic and could contribute to cancer and other health problems. Tight bras, and bras with under-wires, are more likely to cause lymphatic congestion than looser-fitting soft bras or wearing none at all.

Bras contribute to breast pain

Singer and Grismaijer call breast disease "Tight Bra Syndrome." They found that when women with breast cysts stopped wearing their bras, their pain, tenderness, and breast cysts disappeared within days or weeks. Is your bra contributing to breast problems? Stop wearing yours for one month and see if it makes a difference.

Two breast cancer doctors in England heard about the Fiji study and conducted one of their own. They found 100 women with painful fibrocystic breast disease and had them go bra-less for three months. Then the women wore a bra for another three months. Some of their results were captured in a British documentary made for TV, "Bras — The Bare Facts." They were astonishing. Woman after woman commented on a dramatic reduction of breast pain after they stopped wearing bras — some within days; others within weeks. The pain returned in some of them when they resumed wearing their bras. This documentary was never shown in our country.

In a follow-up study, Singer and Grismaijer followed women from the same village in Fiji with the same genetics and diet. The ones who got breast problems were those whose jobs required them to wear bras. The Fijian Health Ministry said it believes this is why their nurses and teachers were starting to get breast cancer.

Bras increase heat

Thermography (infra-red imaging) measures heat in the body. It shows a clear association between heat in the breasts and breast cancer. We know that wearing a bra increases heat in the breasts. Can this heat lead to cancer?

We don't know.

We do know that the body makes more blood vessels to feed cancer cells when their food supply is scarce. These blood vessels create heat that is visible in thermograms. Does breast heat contribute to cancer when it is caused by bras? Let's see what we know about this.

Professor Hugh Simpson, a cancer specialist in Glasgow, Scotland, was intrigued by a possible connection between heat and cancer. He found that the breasts of women at high risk for cancer were hotter than those of women at normal risk as measured by thermography. This isn't conclusive about bras, but you may want to take action now while we wait for more studies.

(For more information on thermography, search my website, or read about it in my new book, The Health Detective's 456 Most Powerful Healing Secrets, available free when you renew your subscription.)

Bras reduce melatonin

Wearing a bra may be one reason why women don't sleep well at night. Melatonin is a hormone produced in the pineal gland. Studies suggest it has anti-cancer properties as well as regulating our sleep cycles. A group of Japanese researchers found that melatonin levels are reduced by a whopping 60% when women wear a girdle and bra. They didn't measure the effect of bras alone, but no reduction of this hormone is good, especially as we get older. You see, melatonin production lessens with age. So you don't want to cut your dwindling supply in half just when you need it the most.

As you know, I like to base my articles on sound, scientific studies. And there are only a few studies on bras and breast problems. But if wearing a looser bra, eliminating under-wires, or going bra-less can reduce breast disease, then join me in getting healthier and feeling more comfortable.

"Bras — The Bare Facts," www.007b.com.

Hsieh, C.C., and D. Trichopoulos. "Breast size, handedness, and breast cancer risk," Eur J Cancer, 1991.

Lee, Y.A., et al, "The effects of skin pressure by clothing on circadian rhythms of core temperature and salivary melatonin," Chronobiol Int, November 2000.

Simpson, H.W., "A breast pre-cancer test? Preliminary results based on a breast temperature rhythm abnormality during the menstrual cycle," Br Ca Research and Tmt, July 1990.

These Three Essential Oils That Reduce Menstrual Cramps Benefit Women of All Ages

Years ago, when I was a massage therapist, I added different essential oils to my massage oils. The scents I chose were designed to relax my clients, nothing more. At that time, not a lot was known about their therapeutic benefits. Now some good clinical studies are finding that they do much more than smell nice.

Oils from aromatic plants have medicinal qualities when they're used topically and when they're smelled. The latter is called aromatherapy. A recent study found that using particular essential oils with massage was effective in reducing menstrual cramps in more than four-dozen women. If only I had known about this when I was younger! But don't stop reading if you're past menstruating. You can still use these same essential oils for other conditions.

Reducing menstrual cramps

The worst part of menstruation for me was the cramping. Every month, for more than three decades, I suffered from moderate to severe pain. Some months, I was flat on my back the first day, heating pad on my stomach, waiting for the pain to ease up. Ibuprofen took the edge off, but there still were times when I could barely function.

This is not unusual. In some countries it's estimated that over 80% of young women have monthly cramping. A double-blind study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that essential oils may lessen some women's menstrual cramps and provide other benefits for those of us who have "graduated" from menstruation.

The women in this study all suffered with monthly menstrual cramps and were separated into three groups. One group received a 15-minute abdominal massage with essential oils daily, beginning one week before the start of menstruation and continuing until menstruation began. A second group received the same massages, but without any essential oils added to the massage oil. The control group was given nothing.

The women who received massage with aromatherapy had significantly less cramping than those in either of the other two groups. This is a therapy any woman with menstrual cramps can safely try. If you can't find the exact species of the essential oils used in this study, a different species should work just as well. For instance, Rosa damascena may be more available than Rosa centifolia. Studies show each has similar therapeutic benefits.

Other applications

Now let's look at these same essential oils and see how they might enhance your life if you're no longer menstruating.

I spoke about lavender in an article published in April 2006. You may want to read it on my website. In it, I talked about using lavender oil in an essential oil diffuser to quiet down the anxiety that often accompanies dementia. You can also try rubbing a drop of lavender oil on the hands of someone who's agitated and watch it calm them down.

One animal study found that smelling lavender oil lowered the blood pressure of laboratory animals. Spray your face with a little lavender water (hydrosol) in addition to anything else you're doing to lower your blood pressure. It can't hurt, and it may help.

Lavender also has anti-inflammatory, and analgesic qualities. Add a few drops of the oil to a small spray bottle of water and spritz it on burns, insect bites, and other skin irritations.

Clary sage has been used to alleviate menopausal symptoms. Try using it in a diffuser or spray and inhale its fragrance for hot flashes or depression. Some of the chemicals in clary sage are antibacterial and anti-fungal. Use a little diluted clary sage oil topically on any fungal infection, such as athlete's foot or fungus under fingernails or toe nails.

Rose oil has been found to be particularly effective in calming someone down after an adrenaline rush. If you nearly avoided an accident, heard bad news about a friend, or had a sudden emergency, a dab of diluted rose oil could be just what the doctor ordered — without any side effects.

Essential oils are highly concentrated. With the exception of lavender, all should be diluted in water or oil to avoid irritating the skin, and they should only be used topically or inhaled.

Aromatherapy works best when you repeat using essential oils over a period of time, rather than using it only once. Use these oils daily for a week or two to see if they give you the desired effects. If you don't have any essential oils, try growing some lavender so you can pick and smell it when you're feeling a bit anxious. Or take a deep whiff of a fragrant rose. Now you know why you feel better afterward!

Haze, S., et al. "Effects of fragrance inhalation on sympathetic activity in normal adults," Jpn J Pharmacol, November 2002.

Sun-Hee, Han, PhD, RN, et al. "Effect of aromatherapy on symptoms of dysmenorrhea in college students: a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial," Journ of Alt and Comple Med, July/August, 2006.

Tanida, M., et al. "Olfactory stimulation with scent of lavender oil affects autonomic neurotransmission and blood pressure in rats," Neurosci Lett, May 2006.

Certain Migraines May Be Associated With Heart Disease

Heart disease is more common in women than in men, and one risk factor may be migraine headaches. Especially those that are accompanied by auras (sensory disturbances that hit before the pain — they usually signal an oncoming migraine and are felt by one in five migraine sufferers). The Women's Health Study found a strong association between migraines and heart disease — two conditions that are more common in women than in men.

No one knows just why, although there are several theories. One is that our bodies may produce more factors that lead to blood clots. Such as fibrinogen. Please read my information on fibrinogen either on my website or in my new book, The Health Detective's 456 Most Powerful Healing Secrets (800-728-2288). Most doctors don't know how to lower levels of fibrinogen, the fibrous protein that can form blood clots. Two excellent methods are using high doses of bromelain (500 mg) in between meals, or taking Padma Basic (two tablets, three times a day). I use both. Another possibility is high homocysteine, an amino acid that can cause a buildup of plaque in the arteries. Vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid were found to be low in people with high homocysteine. Although this solution is controversial, patients with high homocysteine who took one mg of folic acid a day lowered their levels within just five days.

If you get migraines with auras, you may be at an increased risk for heart disease. Some of the reasons, such as high fibrinogen and high homocysteine, may be genetic in origin. This just means that you need to be more careful and more pro-active.

Thomasson, W.A., PhD. "Migraine is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease in men and women," www.docguide.com.

Ask Dr. Nan

Q: I'm confused. I want to lose some weight, but don't know whether I should go on a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet or not. Is this kind of diet safe to eat over a long period of time? Or should I just use it to initially drop some pounds? — J.M., e-mail

A: Reducing carbohydrates and eliminating refined sugars and starches like white bread, white rice, snacks, and desserts, can surely help you lose weight. It can be a good beginning for a weight loss program.

I often suggest it to my patients who want to lose weight. But long-term, a high-protein diet that is low in complex carbohydrates could have undesired effects.

A recent study in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition followed nearly 23,000 healthy people over a period of about five years. Those who ate more carbs had a significant reduction of mortality. In other words, they lived longer than people who ate a high- protein, low-carb diet.

The conclusion to this study is: "Prolonged consumption of diets low in
carbohydrates and high in protein is associated with an increase in total mortality."

That said, we all need to get enough protein not only for weight loss, but for good muscle tone, a strong immune system, and energy. I recommend around 15-20 grams of protein three times a day for women who weigh between 120-140 pounds. Adding soy products, nuts, and beans to your diet can complement animal protein intake.

Be sure to eat fish several times a week, both for their protein and their beneficial fats. And don't overeat. Stop eating halfway through your meal, wait 15 minutes, and don't eat anything else unless you're still hungry. Portion control is a safe way to lose extra weight! Along with exercising four or five times a week, of course.

Trichopoulou, A., et al. "Low-carbohydrate-high-protein diet and long-term survival in a general population cohort," Eur J Clin Nutr, November 29, 2006 (advance copy).

Q: I have bone spurs in my knee and heel. What causes them, and how can I stop my body from making them? — A.R., via e-mail

A: Many people with osteoarthritis get bone spurs for several reasons. One is from unabsorbed calcium deposits in joints. If this is your problem, make sure you don't get too much calcium in your supplements (500 mg should be sufficient) and avoid calcium carbonate, a poorly absorbed form.

Increase your magnesium as much as your bowels can easily tolerate. I've warned you before of the consequences of taking 1,500 mg or more of calcium a day. It can contribute to osteoarthritis as well as muscle cramping.

Bone spurs can form from chronic irritation or inflammation of connective tissues. This inflammation can then cause calcium to be deposited in the heel. The solution is to take anti-inflammatory supplements, such as bromelain, curcumin, or a combination formula like InflaThera (888-488-2488). Heel spurs don't cause pain. Inflammation does.

Tight calf muscles can cause tight muscles in the plantar fascia in your feet. This can lead to bone spurs as well. So can your posture when you walk. An osteopath or chiropractor can evaluate these biomechanical problems and give you suggestions to relax tight muscles.

There are many causes for bone spurs. You need to identify yours before you can prevent them from recurring.