Community Magazine October 2012

To • • Health JURY IS STILL OUT ONORGANIC The vitamin and nutrient content of organic meat and produce may not be healthier than non-organic kinds, though organic food was found to have fewer pesticides and antibiotic- resistant bacteria than regular food. Researchers examined over 200 studies that compared either the health of people who ate organic or regular foods, or nutrients and contamination in the foods. They found no difference in the levels of vitamins in plants or animal products produced organically and conventionally. In a few studies, organic milk and chicken contained more omega-3 fatty acids. Over a third of regular produce had pesticide residue, compared to only seven percent of organic food, although levels in both kinds of food were very low. Organic chicken was a third less likely to have antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The study was published in the Annals of Internal Medicine. The United States Department of Agriculture standard for organic farms is that they do not use synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, hormones or antibiotics, and the livestock have access to pastures. COCONUT HELPS YOUR TEETH Digested coconut oil has been found to slow the growth of bacteria that causes tooth decay. The oil was effective for both streptococcus mutans, a common acid-producing bacteria that is a major cause of tooth decay, and candida albicans, a yeast that causes a mouth infection called thrush. The researchers presented their findings at the conference of the Society for General Microbiology. The findings could lead to the product being sold as an antimicrobial in dental care products, as an alternative to chemical additives. Dental caries affect between 60 and 90 percent of children and the majority of adults in industrialized countries. Past studies have found that enzyme- modified milk reduced the attachment of streptococcus bacteria to tooth enamel. BACTERIA LINKED TODIABETES Scientists have found 26 species of intestinal bacteria that may be linked to the development of diabetes, stroke and heart disease. The study, published in PLOS ONE, a journal of the Public Library of Science, is an attempt to understand why some obese people develop health problems and others do not. The researchers found that some bacteria are linked to resistance to insulin, high blood pressure, cholesterol and sugar levels. Although it has yet to be determined how the bacteria cause health problems, distinguishing between harmful and helpful bacteria may be a step toward the development of new treatments. Bacteria, fungus and viruses, collectively called microbiome, exist all over the body, and outnumber human cells 10 to one. Other studies have found links between microorganisms and flu, digestive disorders, skin disorders and cancer. Additionally, those with a syndrome associated with inflammation had low levels of good bacteria. PEDIATRICGROUP PROMOTES BENEFITS OF CIRCUMCISION The American Academy of Pediatrics is now acknowledging that the health benefits of circumcision outweigh the risks. The group does not recommend that all babies receive the procedure, but recommends that insurance companies and Medicaid pay for it, and that parents not feel guilty about their choice. The doctors’ group has previously decided that there was insufficient scientific evidence on the matter, with some groups saying it is useful to prevent disease, and others labeling it painful and unnecessary. Recent studies found that the procedure reduces the spread of HIV in Africa, prevents urinary tract infections in infants and protects against diseases in adults. Just over half of baby boys born each year in the U.S. are circumcised, compared with 79 percent in the 1970s and 1980s. ALMOST HALF OF AUTISTIC TEENS ARE BULLIED A survey of parents found that 46 percent of autistic teens were bullied, 15 percent of the autistic children were themselves bullies, and 9 percent were both victims and bullies. The study, published in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine noted that the 46 percent rate is sharply higher than the 11 percent rate of bullied kids overall. Kids who are bullied often end up with higher rates of depression, loneliness and anxiety, and have difficulties in school. Researchers recommend that schools help vulnerable groups with targeted anti-bullying campaigns. Children with both autism and ADHD, and those with autism who were in regular classes, were most likely to be victims. About one in 88 American kids has an autism spectrum disorder. 80 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE