2001 October

A new study published in the British Medical Journal shows that the use of antidepressants can increase the risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding for people over 65. And the newer types of antidepressants – the ones now prescribed most often – are the worst offenders.

Research suggests that as much as 70 percent of the general population suffers from a different kind of food allergy that most doctors don't even know about. They're called "delayed food allergies," because the symptoms can appear three to five days after the food has been ingested. And this type of allergy can be the cause of a whole host of symptoms, including acne, eczema, migraines, diarrhea, constipation, and physical and mental fatigue.

Those of you who have joined us for an HSI Symposium in the past surely remember Dr. Victor Marcial-Vega. He is a board-certified oncologist and the director of Health Horizons Rejuvenation Clinic in Coral Gables, Florida. Based on his experience treating other types of bacterial lung infections, Dr. Marcial-Vega believes he has discovered a way to prevent anthrax from developing – even if you've already been exposed.

A lot of us, even those of us who have been successfully using complementary and alternative medicine for years, seem to have this problem. I've searched for a family doctor in my area who is well versed in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), and willing to listen to new ideas. I haven't found one.

Many of the signs of aging just make us feel old – graying hair, deepening "laugh lines," mild forgetfulness. But without question, one of the most debilitating – and daunting – conditions we face as we get older is age-related macular degeneration or AMD, the leading cause of vision loss and blindness for those 65 and older. The fear and helplessness associated with deteriorating vision is something that too many of us have had to face. Now a recent study is providing some hope, along with a protocol that may halt or slow AMD's progression.