The Negative Potential of Technology on Your Health.

It seems that people with a technology device in hand reading, texting, taking a selfie and all in the name of immediate social response.  Combine this with the overstuffed, improperly worn backpacks and we are setting ourselves up for a critical storm.  These poorly worn and over used devices are putting undue stress on our spine and nervous system affecting the structure, function and physiology of our bodies.  

The spine is made up of 24 vertebrae.  When positioned and functioning properly, the spine is designed to resist the heaviest of loads.  Take away the ideal position combined with repetitive static loads and the spine becomes weakened and subject to premature wearing, pain, and stiffness. The compromised tissues structure over time will increase our susceptibility to sudden injury and even sickness.

Research found that abnormal spinal health and posture leads to an imbalance in hormones. A study from 2014 cited that repetitive poor posture, particularly of the head and neck caused LOW T(testosterone), reduced serotonin, increased cortisol and more. In the 2014 study, published in the Surgical Technology International Journal, billions of people were found to be using cell phone devices daily. Stresses on the spine from constantly looking down at a cell phone is very damaging to short and long term health. This study evaluated forward head flexion stress on the human spine and corresponding body function. The findings were remarkable: 

*The study assessed the forces placed on the spine as the head is tilted forward into worsening posture.

*The study evaluated the stress using an average head weight of 13.2 pounds

*The weight added to the spine dramatically increases when flexing for varying degrees. 0° increased weight on the neck by 10 to 12 pounds. 15° increased weight on the neck by 27 pounds. 30° increased the weight on the neck by 40 pounds. 45° increased the weight on the neck by 49pounds. And 60° increased the weight on the neck by 60 pounds.  Can’t grasp the significance of 60 pounds? Imagine carrying an 8-year-old around your neck several hours per day.

*Loss of the natural curve of the cervical spine leads to incrementally increased stresses about the cervical spine. The stresses may lead to early wear, tear, degeneration, and possibly surgeries.

*Good posture is defined as ears aligned with the shoulders and shoulders retracted. With proper alignment, spinal stress is diminished.

*Good posture was associated with much more than just bad backs or bad necks. Good posture helped increase good hormones. Good posture was linked to higher testosterone, increases in serotonin, decreases in cortisol, and increased feelings of power. Poor posture is associated with reductions in testosterone levels, reduced serotonin, increased cortisol, and reduced feelings of power.

*Poor posture occurs with the head in a tilted forward position and the shoulders drooping forward in a rounded position.

*An average person spends 2 to 4 hours a day with their heads tilted forward for reading and texting on their smart phones, amassing 700 to 1400 hours of excess, abnormal cervical spine stress per year. It was also noted that a high school student may even spend an extra 5000 hours in poor posture per year.

Beyond spinal and muscle injuries, improper posture influences all aspect of human performance through the endocrine system. As evidenced through research, poor posture negatively influences levels of testosterone, serotonin, cortisol, and feelings of power.  Bad posture has been linked to a host of other medical problems, including headaches and other neurological problems, depression, constipation, and heart disease. At a minimum, constant slouching is likely to cause a lot of chronic pain.

As technology continues to govern more and more of societal functions, the need for practitioners who positively influence posture increases. Unfortunately, most of society still believes that poor posture is more of a cosmetic issue than a health issue. Because of this, awareness and education is the key to making change. 
 

Chiropractors are key leaders to improving quality and longevity of life in all men and women by improving the health and function through postural alignment.

Quick tips to minimize the costly damages of technology and backpacks.

1.                   Limit use of technology

2.                   Maintain proper posture while using technology & backpacks

3.                   Do regular spinal postural stretching and movement exercises

4.                   Drink the proper amount of daily water

5.                   Stand, stretch and move regularly 

If you feel problems are persisting find a chiropractor to do a postural analysis to assess the potential damages and discuss options for correcting the problem.

Yours in Better Health

Dr. Russell Heller

                                       

 Surgical Technology International Journal 2014 Nov;25: 277-9. Hansraj, KK.

Chirpractic Care For All Over Better Health

Most everyone thinks of chiropractic for the care of back or neck pain. Some may turn to chiropractic for sport and leisure activity injuries.  Truth be told the benefits of regular chiropractic care are so far reaching is is one of the best kept secrets of the healthcare world.

Even our friends at TTAC understand how chiropractic helps the body function better to be healthier.

Check out the link below.

10 Reasons You Should Consider Chiropractic Therapy

Chronic Pain and Depression

Stress, disappointments, feelings of inadequacy are all common at this time of year and can lead to or add to depressions which are not uncommon this time of the year.   Feelings of depression can be more intense and disabling if accompanied by chronic pain.

Our friends at the American Chiropractic Association put together some information for recognizing and dealing with chronic pain.

Depression is thought to be 3 to 4 times more common in people with chronic pain than in the general population. In addition, 30 to 80% of people with chronic pain will have some type of depression. The combination of chronic pain and depression is often associated with greater disability than either depression or chronic pain alone.

Signs and Symptoms

Some of the common signs and symptoms of chronic pain include:

• Pain beyond 6 months after an injury
• Allodynia—pain from stimuli which are not normally painful and/or pain that occurs other than in the stimulated area
• Hyperpathia—increased pain from stimuli that are normally painful
• Hypersensation—being overly sensitive to pain

Signs of major clinical depression will occur daily for 2 weeks or more, and often include many of the following:

• A predominant feeling of sadness; feeling blue, hopeless, or irritable, often with crying spells
• Changes in appetite or weight (loss or gain) and/or sleep (too much or too little
• Poor concentration or memory
• Feeling restless or fatigued
• Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities, including sex
• Feeling of worthlessness and/or guilt

What is the treatment for chronic pain and depression?

The first step in coping with chronic pain is to determine its cause, if possible and addressing the problem.  Consult with your doctor of chirpractic, they are very knowledgeable and effective in helping control many types of chronic pains.  Aside from that:

• Stay active and do not avoid activities that cause pain simply because they cause pain. The amount and type of activity should be directed by your doctor, so that activities that might actually cause more harm are avoided.
• Relaxation training, hypnosis, biofeedback, and guided imagery, can help you cope with chronic pain. Cognitive therapy can also help patients recognize destructive patterns of emotion and behavior and help them modify or replace such behaviors and thoughts with more reasonable or supportive ones.
• Distraction (redirecting your attention away from chronic pain), imagery (going to your “happy place”), and dissociation (detaching yourself from the chronic pain) can be useful.
• Involving your family with your recovery may be quite helpful, according to recent scientific evidence.
   
   Stay well, be safe and enjoy the Holiday season with friends and family.
   
  For your better health,
  Dr. Heller
  
  
   
   

Walking For Health

Another article from our friends at thePowerofpositivehabits.com discussing the health benefits of brisk walking. *************************************************************   Benefits of Brisk Walking By Dan Robey "Not running, not jogging, but walking is your most efficient exercise and the only one you can safely follow all the years of your life." – Executive Health Organization Walking as a daily exercise habit can truly be a life-changing positive habit and is one of the most powerful habits for reaching your goal of a healthy trim and fit body. Over the past 20 years, there have been dozens of studies that have proven the benefits of brisk walking. Thousands upon thousands of people have improved their health and lost weight by the diligent habit of walking. If you think that walking does not provide the same benefits as other more vigorous exercises, think again. A study published by the New England Journal Of Medicine showed that postmenopausal women who walked regularly lowered their risk for heart disease just as much as women who did more vigorous exercise, such as playing sports or running. This study suggests that walking is just as good for your heart as heavy exercise. I spoke with study author Dr. JoAnn E. Manson, Chief of Preventive Medicine at Brigham and Womens Hospital, Professor of Medicine, at Harvard Medical School. She said, “The study provides compelling evidence that walking and vigorous exercise provide similar heart benefits, about a 30% to 40% reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease with 30 minutes per day of either activity.” I also asked her about the benefits of making brisk walking a positive habit, and she responded, “they could surely walk away from heart disease and several other chronic diseases. We have also found that brisk walking for at least 3 hours a week can lower the risk of stroke, type 2 diabetes, and breast cancer. No pain, no gain, is an outdated notion; exercise doesn’t need to be strenuous or uncomfortable. It can be easy and enjoyable.” Even though the study consisted solely of women, it is likely that men would experience similar benefits from the positive habit of brisk walking. Here are additional benefits you will receive from your habit of brisk walking: * Walking burns calories and helps you lose weight and burn excess body fat. * Walking can help to improve your posture. * Walking requires no special equipment or gyms. * Walking can help lower blood pressure and help prevent circulatory and heart disorders. * Brisk, aerobic walking will give you the benefits of other exercises, such as jogging and cycling, but without the risk of injuries. * Walking at night can help promote better sleep. ***************************************************************   So get out and walk during the summer evenings.  Your body will thank you for it.   For your better health, Dr. Heller

Healing Foods: Turmeric (Curcumin)

For centuries folk medicine depended on natural, herbal and nutriceutical remedies.  With the advent of pharmaceutical medicine many of the old remedies and their benefits were lost by the wayside. Much to the detriment of society. However, with the ever growing lists of side effects of today's patent drugs, their lack of true healing and the epidemic of secondary chronic disorders that they leave behind, interest is once again being shown to the old ways, their benefits and their safety.

The following article, exerpted from greenmedinfo.com, reviews the benefits and the recent research behind the age old spice, turmeric.  Definitely an impressive resume' of benefits and a spice worth adding to your diet.
 *********************************************************
Turmeric is one the most thoroughly researched plants in existence today.  Its medicinal properties and components (primarily curcumin) have been the subject of over 5600 peer-reviewed and published biomedical studies.  In fact, our five-year long research project on this sacred plant has revealed over 600 potential preventive and therapeutic applications, as well as 175 distinct beneficial physiological effects.

Given the sheer density of research performed on this remarkable spice, it is no wonder that a growing number of studies have concluded that it compares favorably to a variety of conventional medications, including:

• Lipitor/Atorvastatin(cholesterol medication): A 2008 study published in the journal Drugs in R & D found that a standardized preparation of curcuminoids from Turmeric compared favorably to the drug atorvastatin (trade name Lipitor) on endothelial dysfunction, the underlying pathology of the blood vessels that drives atherosclerosis, in association with reductions in inflammation and oxidative stress in type 2 diabetic patients. [i] 
  
  
• Corticosteroids (steroid medications): A 1999 study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research found that the primary polyphenol in turmeric, the saffron colored pigment known as curcumin, compared favorably to steroids in the management of chronic anterior uveitis, an inflammatory eye disease.[ii]  A 2008 study published in Critical Care Medicine found that curcumin compared favorably to the corticosteroid drug dexamethasone in the animal model as an alternative therapy for protecting lung transplantation-associated injury by down-regulating inflammatory genes.[iii] An earlier 2003 study published in Cancer Letters found the same drug also compared favorably to dexamethasone in a lung ischaemia-repurfusion injury model.[iv] 
  
• Prozac/Fluoxetine & Imipramine  (antidepressants): A 2011 study published in the journal Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica found that curcumin compared favorably to both drugs in reducing depressive behavior in an animal model.[v]
  
• Aspirin (blood thinner): A 1986 in vitro and ex vivo study published in the journal Arzneimittelforschung found that curcumin has anti-platelet and prostacyclin modulating effects compared to aspirin, indicating it may have value in patients prone to vascular thrombosis and requiring anti-arthritis therapy.[vi] 
  
• Anti-inflammatory Drugs: A 2004 study published in the journal Oncogene found that curcumin (as well as resveratrol) were effective alternatives to the drugs aspirin, ibuprofen, sulindac, phenylbutazone, naproxen, indomethacin, diclofenac, dexamethasone, celecoxib, and tamoxifen in exerting anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative activity against tumor cells.[vii]
  
• Oxaliplatin (chemotherapy drug): A 2007 study published in the International Journal of Cancer found that curcumin compares favorably with oxaliplatin as an antiproliferative agenet in colorectal cell lines.[viii]
  
• Metformin (diabetes drug): A 2009 study published in the journal Biochemitry and Biophysical Research Community explored how curcumin might be valuable in treating diabetes, finding that it activates AMPK (which increases glucose uptake) and suppresses gluconeogenic gene expression  (which suppresses glucose production in the liver) in hepatoma cells. Interestingly, they found curcumin to be 500 times to 100,000 times (in the form known as tetrahydrocurcuminoids(THC)) more potent than metformin in activating AMPK and its downstream target acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC). [ix]

Another way in which turmeric and its components reveal their remarkable therapeutic properties is in research on drug resistant- and multi-drug resistant cancers. 

We have found no less than 54 studies indicating that curcumin can induce cell death or sensitize drug-resistant cancer cell lines to conventional treatment.[x]

We have identified 27 studies on curcumin's ability to either induce cell death or sensitize multi-drug resistant cancer cell lines to conventional treatment.[xi]

Considering how strong a track record turmeric (curcumin) has, having been used as both food and medicine in a wide range of cultures, for thousands of years, a strong argument can be made for using curcumin as a drug alternative or adjuvant in cancer treatment.

Or, better yet, use certified organic (non-irradiated) turmeric in lower culinary doses on a daily basis so that heroic doses won't be necessary later in life after a serious disease sets in.  Nourishing yourself should be the goal of a healthy diet.

For the references go to the original article: 

For your better health,

Dr. Heller

Better "Junk Food" Snacks

I don't know that I would say that their suggestions are "good for you", but these are definitely better choices if looking for a junk food fix.  As with any foods, moderation is the key.  Enjoy!

Dr. Heller

******************************************************************************
5 Junk Foods That Are Good for You

All junk foods have the reputation for being — well, junk — but some are actually good for you. Are there really junk foods you can eat without feeling guilty? Yes. Some foods that have been put under the "junk" label or "no-no's" for the health conscious deserve a second look. Keep reading as Newsmax Health searches out foods that you can enjoy tonight ... without guilt. 

• Beef jerky. Although beef jerky has gotten it's "bad" food label due to preservatives, it's actually loaded with protein. As an added bonus, it won't raise insulin levels, making it an ideal snack. And while it's true that some beef jerky is loaded with both preservatives and salt, you can find all-natural versions that have no preservatives and less salt. You can even find brands made with grass-fed beef (instead of grain), which will give you a bonus of heart-healthy omega-3 fats.

• Chocolate. Numerous studies have shown that dark chocolate (which contains at least 60 percent cocoa) is rich in antioxidants called flavonoids. German researchers found that eating only one square of dark chocolate a week lowered the risk of heart attack and stroke by 39 percent, and another study found that people who ate the equivalent of a small chocolate bar each week reduced their risk of dying following a stroke by 46 percent. Among other health benefits, chocolate has also been found to lower blood pressure, reduce stress, fight wrinkles, and boost mood. 

• Popcorn. Popcorn, which is actually a whole-grain product, is packed with antioxidants called polyphenols. A study at the University of Scranton found that popcorn — based on the average American diet — has more antioxidants than most people eat in a day. Just avoid popcorn loaded with butter and other oils and choose air-popped corn, which has only 30 calories a cup. "Popcorn may be the perfect snack food," said Joe Vinson, a chemist at the University of Scranton. “It’s the only snack that is 100 percent whole grain.” 

• Beer. An Italian analysis of 16 studies found that people who drank about a pint of beer daily reduced their risk of heart disease by 31 percent. Also, beer is high in silicone, which helps prevent bone loss and may even help rebuild bones in younger men and women. Researchers at Tufts University found that beer drinkers had a higher bone density than those who didn't drink. Warning: Don't tuck into a six-pack. Both studies found that people who overindulged increased their risk of both heart disease and bone loss. 

• Chips. Baked chips, whether potato or corn, don't have any added oil and are often made from whole grains, which are great for heart health. They also often contain added spices, which zap up the taste and are also great for your health. Baked potato chips are good sources of potassium and vitamin C, and corn chips contain phosphorus, manganese, vitamin B6, and vitamin E.

Newsmaxhealth.com  Monday, August 27, 2012 4:25 PM

Chiropractic and Urinary Incontinence

Urinary Incontinence May Improve

With Chiropractic Care

NEW RESEARCH SHOWS
 

81% of chiropractic case showed improvement

Comparatively, 50% improved with pharmacological trials.  

Urinary incontinence (UI), occurs when there is leakage of urine that is involuntarily. It affects 4 of 10 women and 1 of 10 men during their lifetime, and about 17% of children younger than 15 years.

In a survey of 2,500 women aged 55–95, 64% reported that urinary incontinence was of great concern to them, but only 25% perceived that it was being adequately addressed by their healthcare providers. Urinary incontinence was associated with poor quality of life, poor self-rated health, social isolation, depressive symptoms, decline in instrumental activities of daily living and out-of-pocket expenses. The majority of older women with urinary incontinence remain under-treated. 

Based upon the prevalence of urinary incontinence in our population and the conclusion that the vast majority of the population is being under treated, the public must take an honest look at treatment choices.
 
In this study of 21 patients, that were followed for 6 years; in 48% of the case, the UI symptoms resolved totally, another 33% considerably improved and a further 19% slightly improved. That equates to 81% of the case studies showing improvement with urinary incontinence with chiropractic care. Comparatively, the authors reported that only 50% improved with pharmacological (drug) trials.  

Chiropractic, based upon the study results shouldn't be considered an alternative choice, but the first line of care with no side effects to consider from medications.
 
Contact our office for more information.  

For your better health!

Dr. Heller




Full article can be found at:  http://www.uschiropracticdirectory.com/index.php/chiropractic-research/item/352-chiropractic-care-improves-urinary-incontinence-a-6-year-study
 

Are Those Magic Beans?

If you are a coffee lover like myself, you may now have reason to treat yourself to another cup or three.   

A  recent Medscape Medical News slideshow reviews the potential medical and psychiatric benefits of coffee consumption.    These mental and medical benefits include reducing your risk of brain neuron degeneration and depression and cancer and cardiovascular disease.  I have recapped that slide show here:

A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that coffee consumption lowered all-cause mortality by over 10% at 13-year follow-up.^[1]

To say that caffeine, a substance known to increase blood pressure can benefit the cardiovascular system  may seem counterintuitive.  When caffeine is consumed as coffee, lengthy elevations of blood pressure are small and cardiovascular risks may be offset by other protective properties. Coffee beans contain antioxidant compounds that reduce formation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. A reduced concentration of inflammatory indicators in the blood has also been seen with coffee consumption.^[2-7]  Several studies have indicated that moderate coffee intake was associated with a lower risk for coronary heart disease as far out as 10 years,^[3] and new data suggest that an average of 2 cups a day protects against heart failure.^[8]   This really should not surprise us since other studies have found the cardiovascular protective effects of antioxidant containing juices of fruits.

The vascular benefits of coffee are not lost on the brain. According to a 2011 review of studies, consuming between 1 and 6 cups a day reportedly cut stroke risk by 17%.^[9]   Coffee's impact on stroke risk in those with vascular disease is still in question, a review presented at the European Meeting on Hypertension 2012 found that 1 to 3 cups a day may protect against strokes caused by blockages in the general population.^[11]

Despite its association with increased blood pressure, coffee appears to benefit other aspects of what is known as “metabolic syndrome.”  This is a dangerous cluster of elevated blood pressure, high blood sugars, abnormal blood lipid levels, and increased body fat. Numerous studies have linked regular coffee drinking with improved glucose metabolism, insulin secretion, and a significantly reduced risk for type 2 diabetes.^[12-14]   Early data from an ongoing study also suggest that coffee consumption can promote weight loss. In this study, overweight patients treated with raw,  unroasted coffee beans in supplement form lost an average of 17 pounds over 22 weeks.  The authors suspect that this effect may be due in part to coffee containing a plant compound with antioxidant properties thought to reduce blood sugar absorption.^[15]

With so many food products thought to increase cancer risk – soda, grilled meat, any thing pickled – at least we can rest easy when it comes to coffee (according to recent data, anyway). Evidence suggests that moderate to heavy coffee consumption can reduce the risk for numerous cancers, including endometrial (> 4 cups/day),^[16] prostate (6 cups/day),^[17] head and neck (4 cups/day),^[18,19] basal cell carcinoma (> 3 cups/day),^[20] and estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer (> 5 cups/day).^[21]   These benefits are thought to be in no small part due to coffee's antioxidant and antimutagenic properties.^[16,18]

Many of us find that morning cup of coffee to be effective for  alertness , but new research also links coffee with longer lasting effects on cognitive well-being.   One study showed that patients with mild thought and memory impairment and blood levels of caffeine of > 1200 ng/mL – which is about 3 to 5 cups of coffee a day – avoided progression to dementia over the following 2 to 4 years. ^[22]    Other data showed that 3 cups of coffee a day may help prevent the neurologic  damage caused by Parkinson’s Disease.   

A 2011 study suggests that coffee consumption might also benefit our mental health^[26]: Women who drank 2 to 3 cups of coffee per day had a 15% decreased risk for depression compared with those who drank less than 1 cup per week. For those who drank 4 cups or more per day, a 20% decreased risk was seen.  The effect of coffee on mood in the short term may be due to altered serotonin and dopamine activity, and on the antioxidant activity in the long term.^[26-29]

Evidence suggests that coffee consumption slows the  progression of liver disease.  Patients with alcoholic cirrhosis and hepatitis C reduced the risk of developing primary liver cancer.^[30-33]

Other research suggests that coffee consumption may help dry-eye syndrome by increasing tear production,^[35] that it may reduce the risk for gout,^[36] and potentially fight infections.^[37] Coffee and hot tea consumption were found to be protective against one of the medical community's most concerning bugs, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) ^[37], typically pronounced Mursa.   It is unclear whether the beverages have antimicrobial activity through out the body, but study participants who reported any consumption of either were approximately half as likely to have MRSA in their nasal passages.

Now, with all the validated benefits of coffee we may have a tendency to see it as a health panacea, but coffee is not a totally innocuous beverage.  Coffee consumption certainly has negative medical and psychiatric effects to consider. Besides the previously mentioned increase in blood pressure, coffee can cause or worsen anxiety, insomnia, and tremor and has the potential to  increase glaucoma risk^[38] for those so predisposed.  Also, due to the potential severity of its symptoms, “caffeine withdrawal syndrome” is under consideration for inclusion in the forthcoming DSM-5^[39] , a manual published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) that includes all currently recognized mental health disorders.

As always be aware of the total affects of what you put into your body.  Enjoy and good health to you.

For your better health,

Dr. Heller

References

1.        Freedman ND, Park Y, Abnet CC, et al. Association of coffee drinking with total and cause-specific mortality. N Engl J Med. 2012;366:1891-1904. Abstract

2.        Larsson SC, Orsini N. Coffee consumption and risk of stroke: a dose-response meta-analysis of prospective studies. Am J Epidemiol. 2011;174:993-1001. Abstract

3.        Wu JN, Ho SC, Zhou C, et al. Coffee consumption and risk of coronary heart diseases: a meta-analysis of 21 prospective cohort studies. Int J Cardiol. 2009;137:216-225. Abstract

4.        Natella F, Nardini M, Belelli F, et al. Coffee drinking induces incorporation of phenolic acids into LDL and increases the resistance of LDL to ex vivo oxidation in humans. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007;86:604-609. Abstract

5.        Gómez-Ruiz JA, Leake DS, Ames JM. In vitro antioxidant activity of coffee compounds and their metabolites. J Agric Food Chem. 2007;55:6962-6969. Abstract

6.        Nardini M, D'Aquino M, Tomassi G, et al. Inhibition of human low-density lipoprotein oxidation by caffeic acid and other hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives. Free Radic Biol Med. 1995;19:541-552. Abstract

7.        Montagnana M, Favaloro EJ, Lippi G. Coffee intake and cardiovascular disease: virtue does not take center stage. Semin Thromb Hemost. 2012;38:164-177. Abstract

8.        Mostofsky E, Rice MS, Levitan EB, Mittleman MA. Habitual coffee consumption and risk of heart failure: a dose–response meta-analysis. Circ Heart Fail. 2012;DOI:10.1161/CIRCHEARTFAILURE.112.967299. http://circheartfailure.ahajournals.org

9.        Larsson SC, Orsini N. Coffee consumption and risk of stroke: a dose-response meta-analysis of prospective studies. Am J Epidemiol. 2011;174:993-1001. Abstract

10.     Larsson SC, Virtamo J, Wolk A. Coffee consumption and risk of stroke in women. Stroke. 2011;42:908-912. Abstract

11.     D'Elia L, Cairella G, Garbagnati F, et al. Moderate coffee consumption is associated with lower risk of stroke: meta-analysis of prospective studies. J Hypertension. 2012;30 (e-Supplement A):e107.

12.     Huxley R, Lee CM, Barzi F, et al. Coffee, decaffeinated coffee, and tea consumption in relation to incident type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review with meta-analysis. Arch Intern Med. 2009;169:2053-2063. Abstract

13.     Sartorelli DS, Fagherazzi G, Balkau B, et al. Differential effects of coffee on the risk of type 2 diabetes according to meal consumption in a French cohort of women: the E3N/EPIC cohort study. Am J Clin Nutr. 2010;91:1002-112. Abstract

14.     Floegel A, Pischon T, Bermann MM, et al. Coffee consumption and risk of chronic disease in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)–Germany study. Am J Clin Nutr. 2012;95:901-908. Abstract

15.     Vinson JA, Burnham B, Nagendran MV, et al. Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a green coffee bean extract in overweight subjects. Program and abstracts of the 243rd American Chemical Society National Meeting and Exposition; March 25-29, 2012; San Diego, California. Abstract 92.

16.     Je Y, Hankison SE, Tworoger SS, et al. A prospective cohort study of coffee consumption and risk of endometrial cancer over a 26-year follow-up. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2011;20:1-9.

17.     Wilson KM, Kasperzyk JL, Rider JR, et al. Coffee consumption and prostate cancer risk and progression in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2011;8;103:876-884.

18.     Turati F, Galeone C, La Vecchia C, et al. Coffee and cancers of the upper digestive and respiratory tracts: meta-analyses of observational studies. Ann Oncol. 2011;22:536-544. Abstract

19.     Galeone C, Tavani A, Pelucchi C, et al. Coffee and tea intake and risk of head and neck cancer: pooled analysis in the international head and neck cancer epidemiology consortium. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2010;19:1723-1736. Abstract

20.     Song F, Qureshi AA, Han J. Increased caffeine intake is associated with reduced risk of Basal cell carcinoma of the skin. Cancer Res. 2012;72:3282-3289. Abstract

21.     Li J, Seibold P, Chang-Claude J, et al. Coffee consumption modifies risk of estrogen-receptor negative breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res. 2011;13:R49.

22.     Cao C, Loewenstein DA, Lin X, et al. High blood caffeine levels in MCI linked to lack of progression to dementia. J Alzheimer Dis. 2012;30:559-572.

23.     Hamza TH, Chen H, Hill-Burns EM, et al. Genome-wide gene-environment study identifies glutamate receptor gene GRIN2A as a Parkinson's disease modifier gene via interaction with coffee. PLoS Genet. 2011;7: e1002237.

24.     Ross W, Duda J, Abbott R, et al. Association of coffee caffeine consumption with brain Lewy pathology in the Honolulu-Asia Aging Study. Program and abstracts of the 64th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Neurology; April 21-28, 2012; New Orleans, Louisiana. Abstract #S42.005.

25.     Duru C. Caffeine is a modifier of age at onset in Huntington's disease. Program and abstracts of the 15th International Congress of Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders; June 5-9, 2011; Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Abstract 180.

26.     Lucas M, Mirzaei F, Pan A, et al. Coffee, caffeine, and risk of depression among women. Arch Intern Med. 2011;171:1571-1578. Abstract

27.     Pasco JA, Nicholson GC, Williams LJ, et al. Association of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein with de novo major depression. Br J Psychiatry. 2010;197:372-377. Abstract

28.     Ng F, Berk M, Dean O, Bush AI. Oxidative stress in psychiatric disorders: evidence base and therapeutic implications. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol. 2008;11:851-876. Abstract

29.     O'Connor A. Coffee drinking linked to less depression in women. New York Times. February 13, 2012. http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/09/26/coffee-drinking-linked-to-less-depression-in-women/ Accessed January 11, 2012.

30.     Molloy JW, Calcagno CJ, Williams CD, Jones FJ, Torres DM, Harrison SA. Association of coffee and caffeine consumption with fatty liver disease, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and degree of hepatic fibrosis. Hepatology. 2012;55:429-436. Abstract

31.     Gallus S, Tavani A, Negri E, La Vecchia C. Does coffee protect against liver cirrhosis? Ann Epidemiol. 2002;12:202-205.

32.     Molloy JW, Calcagno CJ, Williams CD, et al. Association of coffee and caffeine consumption with fatty liver disease, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and degree of hepatic fibrosis. Hepatology. 2012;55:429-436. Abstract

33.     Modi AA, Feld JJ, Park Y, et al. Increased caffeine consumption is associated with reduced hepatic fibrosis. Hepatology. 2010;51:201-209. Abstract

34.     Birerdinc A, Stepanova M, Pawloski L, Younossi M. Caffeine is protective in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2012;3576-82.

35.     Arita R, Yanagi Y, Honda N, Maeda S, et al. Caffeine increases tear volume depending on polymorphisms within the adenosine A2a receptor gene and cytochrome P450 1A2. Ophthalmology. 2012;119:972-978. Abstract

36.     Choi HK, Willett W, Curhan G. Coffee consumption and risk of incident gout in men: A prospective study. Arthritis Rheum. 2007;56:2049-2055. Abstract

37.     Matheson EM, Mainous AG, Everett CJ, King DE. Tea and coffee consumption and MRSA nasal carriage. Ann Fam Med. 2011;9:299-304. Abstract

38.     Pasquale L. Program and abstracts of the American Glaucoma Society 22nd Annual Meeting; March 1-4, 2012; New York, New York. Abstracts 23 and 83.

39.     Compton WM, Budney AJ, Hasin D. New approaches to substance and related diagnoses in the DSM-5. Program and abstracts of the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry (AAAP) 22nd Annual Meeting and Symposium; December 8-11, 2011; Scottsdale, Arizona. Workshop B2. Presented December 9, 2011.