A recent observational study of nearly 90,000 women who participated in the Women's Health Initiative, a government-sponsored research project, found an interesting correlation between hysterectomy and heart disease. But, apparently it is not the procedure itself that raises a woman's risk. What the data suggest is that women who have had hysterectomies have more heart disease because they also have more risk factors for heart trouble. 

In fact, the study identifies hysterectomy patients as a group of women who are predisposed to heart disease, even prior to having the surgery. After looking at data from postmenopausal women between the ages of 50 and 79 who were monitored for five years, researchers found that women who had hysterectomies were significantly more likely than other women to have heart disease. But when scientists accounted for differences in risk factors between those who had surgery and those who did not, they found similar rates of heart disease. 

Of course, it's important for all women -- and men for that matter -- to keep their hearts operating at peak performance. But if you've had a hysterectomy, it should be even higher on your list of health priorities. 

Nutrition & Healing subscribers can read Dr. Wright's recommendations for cardiovascular health in the special report "Dr. Wright's New Secrets to Repair Your Heart and Arteries." This report is available for free for subscribers on the Nutrition & Healing website (www.wrightnewsletter.com). Just click the "sign-on" option at the top of the page, enter the username and password listed on page 8 of your most recent issue, and scroll to the bottom of the page where you'll find the complete Nutrition & Healing library. If you're not already a subscriber, the website also offers details on how to become one. 

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A fresh look at cataracts 

Q: My husband is developing cataracts, and one eye is worse than the other. After reading your article about macular degeneration in the April 2005 newsletter, I was wondering if you have any information about the treatment and prevention of cataracts? 

JVW: There are four natural, safe treatments that I recommend for early cataracts. 

First, there's 40,000 IU of liquid "micellized" vitamin A (not beta-carotene) per day. This nutrient has been known to slow the progression of cataracts, often stopping their growth from continuing. 

Along with vitamin A, a group of Chinese herbs called Hachimi-jio-gan, also sold as "Clinical Nutrients for the Eyes," have been shown to shrink cataracts in some individuals -- or at least slow their development. I usually recommend taking 150 milligrams twice a day. 

Another treatment to try is bilberry -- 80 to 160 milligrams three times a day. Look for a supplement with a 25 percent standardized anthocyanidin content. It can also help stop cataracts from growing larger. 

And last but not least, there's N-acetyl-carnosine eyedrops, sold as a product called CAN-C, which can improve visual acuity and sensitivity to glare. In one double-blind study, nearly 90 percent of those treated showed improvement in just six months of use. 

While these treatments may not help everyone, they may at least help delay the need for cataract surgery. 

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What is...the Women's Health Initiative? 

Launched in 1991, the Women's Health Initiative was designed to examine the major health concerns of women ages 50-79. Designed as a 15-year research program, it focused on cardiovascular disease, cancer, and osteoporosis. This major, large-scale study consisted of a set of clinical trials that tested the effects of postmenopausal hormone therapy, diet, and calcium and vitamin D supplements on heart disease, fractures, breast cancer, and colorectal cancer. It also involved an observational study to examine risk factors of these and other diseases. 

Yours in good health,
Amanda Ross
Managing Editor
Nutrition & Healing 

 Sources:
Howard BV, et al. "Risk of cardiovascular disease by hysterectomy status, with and without oophorectomy." Circulation 2005; 111: 1,462-1,470