Faith and Medicine - The Interpretation of Evidence

Chuck Colson said:

"... it could be that correlation is causation. The evidence continues to mount that that is the case.

In other words, despite the mounting evidence that faith does improve health, some people still say there is nothing supernatural about it. So, Time tells us, many researchers and scientists resist the clinical implications of these studies.

For example, they point to studies that show how parts of the brain light up like a Christmas tree during prayer and meditation. We believers believe that it’s God who designed the brain that way, but they say it is nothing more than evolutionary biology and neuro-chemistry. They try to explain away the sense of peace we experience in prayer or worship in purely material terms. So, they reason, why compromise the practice of medicine with so-called “metaphysical mumbo-jumbo”?

Paradoxically, this skepticism helps us to understand what faith truly is. As I wrote in my book The Faith, faith is a complete view of the world and humankind’s place in it. It’s a way of knowing. It is not a feeling. Christians should and do pray even if their brains don’t light up. We entrust our lives to God even if it makes no difference in medical outcomes.

Why? Because of what we know about God—that He Is and that He loves us and rewards those who seek Him.

Likewise, for those who proceed from the assumption that everything in the universe can and must be explained in purely material terms, when it comes to faith and medicine, no amount of “scientific evidence”—powerful though it is—will suffice.

They just can’t get their brains around it."

From John:

Many of you know that I am stage 3A survivor 2.5 years into recovery from lung cancer and a pneumonectomy. Less of you know that I have seven "metabolic diseases" to include lung cancer, diabetes, coronary artery disease (2 stents), hypertension, gout and chemo and diabetic neuropathies. I know that faith and prayer have kept me going and that He never gives us more than we can handle. If there is any way I can help any of you with your health worries, please add a comment to this post and I'll happily come back to you.

Read more of Mr. Colson's article here.

John's Health Report and a God Story

After a quick decision in early February of 2009 in my cardiologist’s office, I underwent a cardio catheterization at Broward General on Monday, 2/16/2009. All three of the primary coronary arteries had very significant blockage – evidently in the 80%-90% ranges. The first one was “beautifully” repaired with a medicinal stent. The second will be repaired in about 5 weeks. The third will never be repaired as it is congenitally damaged and irreparable.

I already feel better and expect that the second repair will be even more noticeable. What it seems to have done for me is give me more energy. I had not had much in the way of symptoms except for a lack of energy and trouble with stairs and quick movements. I was blaming those symptoms on having one lung. But I just had a nagging sensation that something was not right. As it turns out, I was a “walking time bomb”.

By the way, I have had a whole lot of cardio workups done in the last two years due to the lung cancer and diabetes. There had only been a suggestion last August in a stress test that maybe there should be some follow-up but my previous cardiologist was in no hurry. I do not mean in any way that he was wrong. The current cardiologist saw that, did a little listening to me and to my heart and simply asked how soon I wanted to have him go in. After a bit of a recoil, I said let’s get it over.

The procedure was painless. Of course the valium, morphine and versed helped. But having to lie quietly for 12 hours was torture till they got me sufficiently doped up. I had already made it perfectly clear that I had absolutely no interest in the procedure itself and was out for it. The most interesting part of the whole operation to me was as follows. After six hours they remove a sleeve that they have around the femoral artery where they went in, using millions of dollars of equipment and a whole lot of computer guidance. But then a human, in this case a very nice and experienced RN, uses her thumb to press down on the femoral artery for 20-30 minutes. The artery repairs itself, they hope. Otherwise, things get really, really dicey. But I kept praying that that thumb was God’s thumb. As always, it was!

Now – a bit of a God story! The cardio assistant took all my history before the doctor came in the room, meticulously writing down my now rather complicated medical history. Then Dr. Chizner came in and, as were were chatting, mainly about FBCFL and Pastor Thompson, I mentioned that I had gotten “my new heart” in 2004. He smiled but, at the same time, we both noticed the assistant rise up in her seat, stricken that I had not mentioned that I had a heart replacement. After both the Doctor and I managed to quit giggling, I got to do a little testifying by way of explaining what my “new heart” was. He always gives us a way to do HIs work, doesn’t He. We just need to see it and use it.

And on that line, my wonderful wife Linda and dedicated, great friend Brian Doyle were there, as was ever faithful Toni Hamilton. I think, between the three of us, we must have about 10 nurses and family members coming to the next Pageant.

My health journey for the last several years has been a bit troubling at times. I don’t think anyone likes to feel like a 63 year old sicky. I mean high fevers to cancer to hypertension to diabetes and now coronary artery disease would have had me railing at the world – bitter, at the least very, very grouchy, and very unpleasant to be around. But finding the Lord in 2004 altered that. I have been able to face this with equanimity and peace. I know where I am going and I know that I will go when He wants me. I only pray throughout whatever journey remains that I am able to figure out what He wants me to do, to learn where He would have me be.

Vaya con Dios, my brothers and sisters, actual or to be, and thank you for all your prayers……………

Mediterranean diet associated with reduction in women’s deaths from heart attack and stroke

 
Close on the heels of the publication of a study in the AMA journal Archives of Neurology linking the consumption of a Mediterranean diet to a lower risk of mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease, an article published online on February 17, 2009 in the American Heart Association journal Circulation reports an association between greater adherence to a Mediterranean diet and a reduction in deaths from coronary heart disease and stroke in women.

Teresa T. Fung of Simmons College in Boston along with colleagues at Harvard University and Brigham and Women’s Hospital evaluated data from 74,886 participants in the Nurses’ Health Study for the current analysis. Dietary questionnaires administered six times during the follow-up period were scored for adherence to the Mediterranean diet, which is characterized by a high intake of vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains, legumes, fish, and monounsaturated fat, a low intake of saturated fat, red and processed meats, and moderate alcohol consumption (between 5 and 15 grams per day).

Over two decades of follow-up, 1,597 nonfatal and 794 fatal cases of coronary heart disease, and 1,480 nonfatal and 283 fatal strokes occurred. Women whose Mediterranean diet scores were in the top 20 percent of participants had a 29 percent lower adjusted risk of coronary heart disease, a 42 percent lower risk of fatal heart disease, a 13 percent lower risk of stroke, and a 31 percent lower risk of fatal stroke compared to women whose scores were among the lowest fifth. Combined coronary heart disease and stroke risk was lowered by 22 percent, and the risk of cardiovascular fatality by 39 percent, for those whose diet scores were in the top 20 percent.

Consumption of a Mediterranean diet has been associated with reductions in inflammatory markers (such as C-reactive protein), lipids and blood pressure, all of which increase cardiovascular disease risk when elevated. The beneficial effect of the diet on the vascular system may also explain the reduced risk of mild cognitive impairment observed in the Archives of Neurology study. The higher fish intake that characterizes the diet could explain, in part, the lower risk of fatal coronary heart disease events observed in the current study, since greater fish intake has been linked with a lower risk of death from heart disease.

“Greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet, as reflected by a higher Alternate Mediterranean Diet Score, was associated with a lower risk of incident coronary heart disease and stroke in women,” the authors conclude. “Because this analysis is conducted in women and because it is the first report on the effects of Mediterranean diet on stroke, our results need to be replicated in other populations, especially men.”

Mediterranean diet associated with reduction in women’s deaths from heart attack and stroke - Life Extension Update

Diet Key to Blood Pressure

The Sacramento Bee, Calif.
02-06-09

If you're like many Americans, your blood pressure has crept up as you've gotten older. But it doesn't have to. Our lifestyle has an impact on blood pressure; in fact, in parts of the world where people still live as their ancestors did, high blood pressure is rare. Things that contribute to a healthy blood pressure include a diet high in fruits and vegetables.

It's not clear how fruits and veggies exert their effect, though it likely has something to do with vitamin and mineral content. A new study from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute sheds light on this, suggesting that higher vitamin C levels are linked to healthy blood pressure. In the Growth and Health Study, 242 girls ages 8-11 were followed for 10 years, and their blood pressure and vitamin C blood levels were measured regularly.

Researchers found that the girls with the highest blood levels of vitamin C had lower systolic and diastolic blood pressures. It wasn't clear if the vitamin was helping to lower blood pressure or there was a marker for some other healthy nutrient. More research is needed.

In the meantime, multiple things will help keep your blood pressure normal as you age, and also protect your heart. Here are some lifestyle tips:|

-Eat lots of fruits and veggies every day, especially those high in potassium and vitamin C, such as citrus; dark green, leafy veggies; and melons.

-Keep up that fiber intake. Aim for at least 50 grams per day. Some studies suggest that fiber such as psyllium and wheat bran can help lower blood pressure. It's estimated that prehistoric folks got about 100 grams of fiber per day in their diet; the average American now gets about 10.

-Eat calcium-rich food every day. Calcium also seems to help regulate blood pressure. Or take a calcium supplement twice daily with food.

-Take a vitamin D supplement daily. Population studies suggest that people with low vitamin D blood levels are at higher risk of developing hypertension as well as obesity and diabetes.

-Fish oil may help to reduce blood pressure, so try to eat high-fat fish at least twice per week or take a fish oil supplement daily.

-Consider taking garlic, coenzyme Q-10 and dark chocolate. These all help to relax blood vessels and may help to lower blood pressure as well.

-Watch that sodium! If you have high blood pressure, keep your dietary sodium intake under 1,500 mg/day; otherwise, try to stay under 2,000 mg/day.

-Exercise every day and maintain your weight, two of the most powerful things you can do for your blood pressure.

If you are already taking blood pressure medications and you decide to try some of the above, be sure to talk to your doctor - you may need an adjustment in your meds. By leading a healthy lifestyle, you're bound to need less medication, which is good news for the health of your body and your wallet!
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(Drs. Kay Judge and Maxine Barish-Wreden are medical directors of Sutter's Downtown Integrative Medicine program. They have written "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Secrets of Longevity" ($18.95, Alpha/Penguin Books). Have a question related to alternative medicine? E-mail fitness@sacbee.com.)

Healthy And Cheap

When family budgets get tight, it's tempting to reach for bargain boxes of macaroni and cheese or ramen noodles.

But if you do the nutritional math, there are better food bargains at the grocery store.

Nutrient-rich, inexpensive vegetables, legumes and grains are better options than most cheap convenience food, said Sharon Stroud, a certified nutritionist at Whole Foods Market, 1401 E. 41st St. Stroud leads regular tours through the market to show shoppers how to get more nutrition for their money.

"I have people tell me all the time they can't afford to eat healthy," Stroud said.

But the long-term medical expense of eating unhealthy foods is something people should also consider, she said. Many inexpensive convenience foods are loaded with salt, sugar and trans fats that offer little nutritional value and lots of empty calories.

Nutritional guidelines recommend at least nine servings of fruits or vegetables per day, and if you're eating all nine, you're not going to have as much room in your diet for junk food, Stroud said.

Her basic rules to follow for shopping cheap and healthy:

Buy seasonal and on sale: Butternut squash in season during fall and winter months is a nutritional bargain, so try to plan menus around what's on sale and in season.

Buy bulk: Whole grains and dried legumes are cheapest when purchased in bulk.Convenience packages of these foods may give you 1- 4 servings, whereas a bulk package can provide 20 or more servings.

Fill up: Bulking up your diet by adding fruits and vegetablesinto every meal will help fill you up, keep you from snacking on junk and trim the calorie content of your food.

Conventional: Organic is usually your healthiest option,Stroud said. But if you're trying to save money by buying conventionally grown produce, the vegetables and fruits least likely to have pesticides on them, according to Environmental Working Group, are onions, sweet corn, asparagus, sweet peas, cabbage, broccoli, eggplant, avocados, pineapples, mangoes, kiwi and bananas.

More bang for your buck: Add these foods to your shopping list

Skip the convenience foods and fill your grocery cart with these instead.

Beets: These roots are rich in folate and antioxidants. Fresh, raw and grated in salad is the healthiest way to eat beets, but you can also roast them, and the greens are also nutritious.

Cabbage: This cheap, cruciferous veggie is loaded with nutrients, but some are unlocked only by the cooking process -- so try it braised in addition to slaws and salads.

Canned sardines and chunk light tuna: Sardines are rich in heart-healthy, omega-3 fatty acids and calcium and have the bonus of being low in mercury. Chunk light tuna has less mercury than albacore, Stroud said, and it's an inexpensive, fast source of healthy protein. Mix either into salads to eat on wholegrain crackers or bread.

Butternut squash or canned pumpkin: Both are beta-carotene- rich bargains that fill you without lots of calories. Mash with cinnamon and nutmeg.

Oats: High-fiber and cholesterol-reducing, oats are a nutritional bargain, especially when bought in bulk. Try steel- cut oats for breakfast topped with fruit and nuts.

Eggs: One of the cheapest sources of protein at about $1 to $3 per dozen, and they can be scrambled with chopped vegetables and herbs for a quick, nutritious meal.

Kale: This inexpensive green is considered a superfood rich in vitamins and antioxidants, and it's easy to add to soups and stir- fries or eat on its own, braised or roasted.

Nuts and seeds: The healthy fats and proteins found in walnuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds should be a part of everyone's diet. Buy raw, unsalted ones in bulk and eat small portions for energy boosting snacks or sprinkle on salads.

Beans: These powerhouses add protein and fiber to your diet -- whether you slow cook dried beans that have been soaked overnight or opt for the quicker canned versions. Try quicker cooking lentils on busy weeknights and bean spreads such as hummus for a protein-rich snack, Stroud said.

Whole grains: Brown rice, whole-grain pasta, quinoa and other nutrient-rich grains are the key to quick, healthy weeknight dinners, especially when mixed with nutritious vegetables, beans and legumes.