An Introduction to Alternative and Complementary Medicine NUTR 547 – Nutrition Update David L. Gee, PhD Summer 2006

 Allopathic Medicine : A system of medicine that embraces all methods of proven value in the treatment of disease.  Conventional medicine, Western Medicine  Complementary and Alternaitive Medicine a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine. (NCCAM, 2006) Definitions

 Alternative medicine: : used in place of conventional medicine  using special diet to treat cancer instead of chemotherapy, surgery, etc...  Complementary medicine : used together with conventional medicine  using aroma therapy to relieve discomfort following surgery Integrative medicine :  combines mainstream and CAM therapies for which there is some high-quality scientific evidence of safety and effectiveness. Definitions

A glimpse of CAM in American history.  Bible Christian Evangelist ( )  Promoted homeopathic medicine and the belief of “natural living”  “Dyspepsia” caused by diets too concentrated…break up diet by putting back the bran  Meat excited vile tempers and habits…drove men to sexual excesses  Cold baths, exercise, fresh air, cold food  Sylvester Graham Inventor of the Graham Cracker

A glimpse of CAM in American history.  Adventist Sister Ellen White Upon advice from the Lord, built the Western Health Reform Institute in Battle Creek, MI.  Employed a medical physician  Daily enemas, vegetarianism, whole grain advocate  Henry Ford, John D. Rockefeller, Harvey Firestone became patients  Developed wheat flake cereal  Dr. John Harvey Kellogg Younger brother, William Kellogg, develops the corn flake cereal, leaves brother and established his own company (WK Kellogg company) in 1906

A glimpse of CAM in American history.  In 1891, a well-to-do real estate salesman and blanket manufacturer was a patient at the Battle Creek Sanitarium Spent his fortune at Battle Creek trying to recover his health. Asked Kellogg if he could promote a new coffee cereal; was denied.  Left Battle Creek, became a Christian Scientist, started his own sanitarium and cereal company (with some of Kellogg’s formulations!)  Cereal coffee- Postum could cure “coffee neuralgia” and “cofee heart”  Broken bits of sheets of baked wheat: Grape Nuts  His name: C.W. Post

The Use of CAM in the US Report by NCCAM & NCHS  36% of Americans use CAM

Who uses CAM the most?  Women more than men  people with higher education  people who have been hospitalized in past year  former smokers (more than current or never smoked)

Types of CAM defined by NCCAM, 2006  Mind-Body Medicine techniques designed to enhance the mind's capacity to affect bodily function and symptoms  meditation, mental healing  Energy Medicine therapies affecting “body energy fields” (qi gong, healing touch, Reiki) or unconventional use of electro-magnetic fieldsusing  Manipulative and Body-based Practices chiropractic or osteopathic manipulation or massage therapy  Biologically based products herbs and other dietary supplements

 Mind-body medicine used most (if including prayer)  Biologically based practices used most if prayer excluded

Spending on CAM Eisenberg DM, Davis RB, Ettner SL, et al. Trends in alternative medicine use in the United States, : results of a follow-up national survey. JAMA. 1998;280(18):  $36-$47 billion in 1997 $12-$20 billion out of pocket  more than spent out of pocket for hospitalizations  half of what was spent out of pocket for physician services $5 billion spent on herbal supplements

So why study CAM ?  Many Americans utilize CAM Money  Alternative vs Complementary Medicine  CAM interactions with Allopathic medicine drug interactions nutrient interactions  Most commonly used type of CAM are dietary supplements/herbs