Through grants, including monies from the National Institutes of Health, Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, researchers are examining the nature of the healing process using alterative means to conventional care. Accordingly, the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) kicks off its 18th annual convention at the Portland, OR Convention Center from August 13-16, 2003, which this year focuses on the status of research using botanical and nutritional therapies.
Highlights of this year's presentations by include:
Treating Antibiotic-Resistant Infections By Naturopathic Methods
Antibiotic-resistant infection is becoming an increasing cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. A 25-year veteran of naturopathic clinical practice presents the principles for treating these infections by naturopathic means, and provides examples of successfully treated cases.
Nutritional and Botanical Therapies for Women Instead of HRT?
Significant recent research in the area of women's health – with a focus on nutritional and botanical therapies – will examine how these approaches can be used in the diagnosis and management of premenstrual syndrome, menopause, vaginitis, and heart disease.
Herb/Drug Combinations: The State of This Union
What's hype and what is fact when combining herbal and drug therapies? Are there synergistic interactions between drugs and botanicals? Does the dose make the poison? Can a botanical alter a patient's metabolism of a drug? The mechanism and clinical efficacy surrounding select botanicals will be presented by a clinician currently doing research on the immunological effects of botanicals in HIV infection.
"We Are What We Eat:" New Research Supporting the Clinical Usefulness of Glycemic Index (GI) Inflammation in Identifying Coronary Heart Disease
Carbohydrates have been classified as "simple" or "complex, based upon their degree of polymerization. Their effect on health, however, may be better described on the basis of their ability to raise our blood's glucose (sugar). The physiological effect depends both the physical form of the carbohydrate and the type of sugar. Taken together, this classification is known as the glycemic index (GI). A lower GI diet is associated with reduced insulin demand and reduced lipid levels, which may prevent or manage coronary heart disease (CHD). On the other hand, dietary glycemic load (glycemic index multiplied by carbohydrate content) has been directly associated with risk for CHD. Glycemic load (GL) has also been associated with plasma high-sensitivity-C-reactive protein. Exacerbation of the proinflammatory process in diets with high GL may be one mechanism that increases the risk of CHD. New research supporting the clinical usefulness of GI and GL and the specific relationship with CHD will be presented.
The Hierarchy of Flavonoid Antioxidant Potentials
The anti-oxidant and free radical scavenging effects of plant constituents is of great research interest. Over 4,000 different types of flavonoids have been described to date. Epidemiological studies have indicated an inverse association between the intake of select flavonoids and cancer, coronary heart disease and, in older adults, stroke. The presentation focuses on the antioxidant activities of flavonoids, which are generally more potent and effective than traditional anti-oxidant nutrients such as vitamins C, E, beta carotenes, selenium and zinc.
Defeating the Lethal Skin Cancer Melanoma Differently
Melanoma is the most deadly form of skin cancer and is increasing in increasing in incidence faster than any other form of cancer. Naturopathic medicine can impact the growth and spread of melanoma, and in some cases, put it in remission. One of the foremost practitioners in the diagnosis and naturopathic treatment of melanoma presents his views.
Headquartered in Washington, DC, the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) was founded in 1987 to represent the modern profession of naturopathic physicians. Regular members must have graduated from one of five North American graduate schools of naturopathic medicine.
Editor's Note: To schedule an interview with one of the speakers, please contact Donna Krupa: 703-527-7357 (office); 703-967-2751 (cell) or djkrupa1@aol.com (email) until August 9th. After August 9th, contact Karen Howard, Executive Director, AANP, 202-895-1392 (office), 202-256-0479 (cell) or khoward@naturopathic.org.