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Abstracts Of Featured Alternative Articles Issues 14-26 |
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This issue is free in PDF A Review Of DMSO By Sharon Ann Meyer, AA, AS, DTR |
| Sharon Ann Meyer, AS, AA, DTR, Certified HIV Counselor is the President of HIV ReSources, Inc., and Editor-In-Chief of the HIV ReSource Review. |
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The popularity of Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is evidenced in archives of several electronic lists that hold messages about its use. Athletes provide a wealth of anecdotal evidence that this compound helps to ease their aches and pains. Suspended football player Frank Wycheck's use of DMSO brought attention to the questionable treatment among mainstream U.S. audiences in 1994. Also know as Methyl sulfoxide, Sulfinylbis[Methane] and Me2SO, DMSO is a hazardous industrial solvent similar to turpentine that was originally a byproduct of the paper pulp manufacturing process. This literature review discusses the research on DMSO as of September
2000
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Nigella Sativa (Black Seed) By Rachel Stern, MS, RD, CNS |
| Rachel Stern, MS, RD, CNS is a nutritionist for the North Jersey Community Research Initiative in Newark, NJ. She has also worked at the Women's Infectious Disease Clinic at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of NJ. Other experience includes positions at WIC, Head Start, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of New Jersey, Columbia University Institute of Reproduction, Research Corporation, and University of Wisconsin Department of Pediatrics. |
| Black seed or Nigella sativa may be used in foods, or as a therapeutic
agent. Supplements are capsules of the ground seed, often mixed with other
herbs. Published studies on its pharmacological activity are few and limited
to in vitro or small animals. Very preliminary evidence is suggestive of
a hepato-protective effect. It may also have use as an immune-enhancer
or a chemotherapy adjuvant, but again, evidence is very limited and preliminary.
This article reviews the research on
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This issue is free in PDF Cannabis Advocates Response Al Bryne and Mary Lynn Mathre, RN, MSN, CARN |
| Al and Mary Lynn are cofounders of Patients Out of Time a non-profit organization formed to lobby for patient access to therapeutic use of marijuana. The Patients Out of Time Web Site contains research data, historical records, legal cases, legislation, and position papers by organizations relating to the topic of medical Cannabis. |
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The authors of this article note information that they feel might be useful for those living with HIV and AIDS. The article notes common uses of Cannabis and relates information about patients in the Compassionate Investigational Drug Program for marijuana. We publish the authors viewpoint in accordance with our policy to print information submitted by others to discuss, refute, or challenge items identified in previously published Review articles. The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not reflect the policies or official positions of HIV ReSources Inc., the editors, authors, or the publisher. Please refer to the objective literature review of marijuana noted in our March/April 2000 issue. |
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Use Of Therapeutic Marijuana By Sharon Ann Meyer, AA, AS, DTR |
| Sharon Ann Meyer, AS, AA, DTR, Certified HIV Counselor is the President of HIV ReSources, Inc., and Editor-In-Chief of the HIV ReSource Review. |
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Numerous people believe the illegal status of marijuana jeopardizes the health of Americans by denying them access to a safe and effective medicine. An estimated 20 to 80 million Americans regularly smoke the herb. Too few consider both known and suspected risks of marijuana use. There is an enormous amount of science based information about this substance. We know it is widely used by certain patient groups despite the legal, social, and health problems associated with its use. Many of those living with HIV or AIDS use it for a variety of reasons. In one project, 71% of HIV-positive patients reported using marijuana. Another study disclosed that patients used the substance as an adjunct to prescription medication treatments. Reliable information on the potential risks and benefits of this controversial herb will help people to make educated treatment decisions. This article reviews the research and use of marijuana as of March 2000 highlighting benefits and risks for users. |
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This issue is free in PDF Botanical Use Among People With HIV: Part 2 Nancy Spaulding-Albright RD, CNSD, LD/N and Sharon Ann Meyer, AA, AS, DTR |
| Nancy Spaulding-Albright RD, CNSD, LD/N is an Outpatient Nutritionist in Sunrise, FL. She is the author of herbal articles in the Newsletter of the Oncology Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group, the Journal of the American Dietetic Association and Student DOCTOR. Nancy's goal to educate people on complementary issues assists health professionals, patients and clients to make informed decisions. This helps to protect health and wallets by bridging the gap that remains between conventional and complementary medicine. Sharon Ann Meyer, AS, AA, DTR, Certified HIV Counselor is the President of HIV ReSources, Inc., and Editor-In-Chief of the HIV ReSource Review. |
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This two-part article provides information on many complementary therapies that are popular among people living with HIV or AIDS. A summary of information on the use of complementary therapies, herbal regulation, cautionary notes, and selected botanical treatments is in the first portion of the article published in Issue 21. Part Two provides additional information on popular botanical treatments, along with sources for further information, and highlights the future of dietary supplements. |
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This issue is free in PDF Botanical Use Among People With HIV: Part 1 Nancy Spaulding-Albright RD, CNSD, LD/N and Sharon Ann Meyer, AA, AS, DTR |
| Many people living with HIV infection (PLWHIV) consider complementary
therapies an important part of treatment and care. The popularity of herbal
medications as adjunctive therapy for HIV and AIDS has grown significantly
in the past several years. Studies continue to show that PLWHIV and AIDS
spend a significant part of their money on complementary treatments such
as botanicals and other supplements. One look at the shelves of a local
drug or grocery store serves to show that since passage of the 1994 Dietary
Supplement and Education Act (DSHEA), the popularity of dietary supplements
has skyrocketed. Even major pharmaceutical companies are now participating
in this rapidly growing industry. Total sales for dietary supplements in
1998 totaled almost $12 billion and are projected to increase to $14 billion
by the year 2000. Retail botanical sales within the U.S. were $1.5 billion
in 1995 and industry experts predict that by the year 2000, consumers will
be buying more than $5 billion in herbal products.
Considering ongoing research on the benefits of various phytochemicals
in our food supply, it is not hard to imagine that the chemical compounds
from herbs
This two-part article provides a summary of botanical use
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Beth Ellen DiLuglio, MS, RD, CNSD, LD/N and Sharon Ann Meyer, AA, AS, DTR |
| Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the body. It is a major
building block of skeletal muscle, an important fuel for the gastrointestinal
(GI) tract, and plays a major role in nitrogen transport. Although made
in most tissues, it is synthesized primarily in the skeletal muscle and
released into the circulation where it constitutes 60% of the body's free
amino acid pool. Glutamine is a 'conditionally essential' amino acid that
is vital for the normal function of many body cells and organs. This versatile
amino acid plays a part in maintaining acid-base balance in the body; provides
precursors for hepatic gluconeogenesis and urea synthesis; and is a precursor
to glutathione (GSH), an important antioxidant. It plays a vital role in
overall nitrogen metabolism. Using its two atoms of nitrogen, it is able
to transport nitrogen between skeletal muscle and visceral organs, picking
up and dropping off nitrogen atoms as needed for protein and DNA synthesis.
Besides this, glutamine plays a major role in many other physiologic functions,
including the provision of energy to rapidly dividing cells such as enterocytes,
colonocytes, lymphocytes, macrophages, fibroblasts, and malignant cells.
Due to its many attractive properties, glutamine is a popular supplement
among people living with HIV infection (PLWHIV). Product distributors note
that along with other ingredients, glutamine can increase immune function
in humans.
This literature review highlights the use of glutamine in humans and offers information on its role in PLWHIV as of September 1999. |
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This issue is free in PDF Does HMB Increase Muscle Size And Strength? Ellen Coleman, MA, MPH, RD HMB (beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate)
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| HMB (ß-hydroxy ß-methylbutyrate) was discovered by research
scientists at Iowa State University. The dietary supplement has been touted
to increase muscle mass and at the same time decrease body fat. Several
investigators document the use of HMB, either alone or mixed with other
substances, in animals and humans. Considering the research, it's no surprise
that HMB is an ingredient in yet another popular supplement designed for
those living with HIV.
These articles review HMB research (as of July 1999) and
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By Sharon Ann Meyer, AA, AS, DTR |
| Silymarin, a polyphenolic antioxidant, is derived from the milk thistle
plant. Although people have used milk thistle derivatives for almost 2,000
years their popularity has increased greatly since 1968 when someone discovered
its active ingredient. Individuals, including people living with HIV infection,
use milk thistle and silymarin for a variety of reasons.
This article reviews the extensive research of milk thistle on
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This issue is free in PDF A REVIEW OF NITAZOXANIDE By Sharon Ann Meyer, AA, AS, DTR |
| AIDS activists often note the seriousness of contamination with Cryptosporidium
parvum, a parasite found in the feces of infected humans or animals. It's
a life-threatening disease for HIV-positive people occurring each year
in an estimated 10- 20% of those who have diarrhea. According to researcher
Dr. Rosemary Soave, at the New York Hospital Cornell Medical Center, the
disease often results in disturbed sleep patterns, decreased quality of
life, dehydration, loss of appetite and subsequent wasting. Many cases
of human cryptosporidiosis go unrecognized in people living with HIV.
Cryptosporidium is mainly localized to the gastrointestinal tract and persistent infection causes watery diarrhea that is very severe and leads to dehydration. Besides the diarrhea, symptoms include stomach cramps, rectal urgency and incontinence, fatigue, diminished appetite, nausea and vomiting, weight loss, or a slight fever. The management of cryptosporidia can include Azithromycin, bismuth subsalicylate, Lomotil, Loperamide, Paromomycin, paregoric, Octreotide, hyperimmune bovine colostrum or Nitazoxanide (NTZ). cryptosporidiosis as of March 1999. |
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This issue is free in PDF THINK ABOUT ZINC By Sharon Ann Meyer, AA, AS, DTR |
| Zinc and other trace mineral abnormalities are common in HIV-positive
men, women and children. Miami researchers know that adequate amounts of
dietary zinc are needed to slow the progression of HIV disease. Yet there
is much confusion and disagreement as to whether supplements of this trace
mineral may help or harm people living with HIV infection (PLWHIV).
This review of zinc research (as of January 1999) affords the reader
with a summary of the issues surrounding zinc supplementation
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This issue is free in PDF BEYOND THE BASICS By Sharon Ann Meyer, AA, AS, DTR |
| Great strides have been achieved over the past 15 years in the
realm of micronutrient supplementation. Most HIV-savvy clinicians suggest
basic multivitamin and mineral supplements for people living with HIV (PLWHIV).
Many of these nutrition professionals now suggest a wider variety of supplements
to meet the needs of this population group. One of these supplements is
alpha lipoic acid (ALA), which is required by both plants and animals.
In the U.S., ALA has been introduced as a metabolic antioxidant. Sources
note many years of widespread ALA use among PLWHIV as a liver supportive
and antioxidant. Buyer's Clubs encourage the use of daily ALA supplementation
by saying it helps to protect the liver.
This review affords the reader a look at the research
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This issue is free in PDF ONE GARLIC OR TWO? By Sharon Ann Meyer, AA, AS, DTR |
| Many people consume garlic as a preventive measure. Some
HIV-positive people use it as prophylactic treatment for fungal infections.
Garlic purportedly stimulates macrophage activity to kill viruses, bacteria,
and yeast. It's touted to boost the immune system and increase T-helper
cell activity. Garlic is purported to prevent inflammation, reduce tumor
masses, increase phagocytic function and stimulate the immune system.
This review covers in vitro, animal and
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The HIV ReSource Review (issues 1-30) and HIV
Nutrition Update (issues 30-54) are peer-reviewed publications designed
for nutrition professionals and others interested in nutrition and HIV/AIDS.
First published on July 1, 1996, the newsletters still provide important, time-saving, HIV-related nutrition information. Feature articles are the result of original research, scientific literature searches, and searches on the World Wide Web. Article information is supplemented by reviewing conference proceedings and expert recommendations. |
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| Nancy Spaulding Albright, RD, LD, CNSD, LD |
| Wendy Wittenbrook, MA,RD,LD |
| Donna Tinnerello, MS, RD, CDN
Web Site Affiliation(s)
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| In Spirit- Chester Myers, PhD |
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| Kevin Kelly, RD, LD
Web Site Affiliation(s)
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| Jason Stevenson, BS, Medical Researcher |
| Denise Li, BS |
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| Sharon
Ann Meyer, AA, AS, DTR, Certified HIV Counselor About
Sharon
Web Site Affiliation(s)
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Any use of the information presented here is done strictly at your own risk. No responsibility is implied or intended on the part of HIV ReSources Inc, the editors, or the publisher. Information on this site should not be thought of as an endorsement of any kind. |
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