An Introduction to Alternative and Complementary Medicine

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

2. Definitions • 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)

3. 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.

4. A glimpse of CAM in American history. • Bible Christian Evangelist (1794-1851) • 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. The Use of CAM in the US.2004 Report by NCCAM & NCHS • 36% of Americans use CAM

8. 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)

9. Types of CAMdefined 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

10. Mind-body medicine used most (if including prayer) • Biologically based practices used most if prayer excluded

12. Spending on CAMEisenberg DM, Davis RB, Ettner SL, et al. Trends in alternative medicine use in the United States, 1990-1997: results of a follow-up national survey. JAMA. 1998;280(18):1569-1575. • $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

13. 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