Monthly Archives: December 2007

Angina Pectoris, Cholesterol/Lipids, Diet-Nutrition, Exercise, Heart Disease, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Smoking Cessation

The JELIS study: Fish oil, statins, and heart disease

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) from fish oil lowers triglyceride levels.

Now, a study in Japan reports that adding EPA to low-dose statin therapy lowers the risk for certain major coronary events, including nonfatal heart attacks, unstable angina and the need for revascularization procedures). Continue reading The JELIS study: Fish oil, statins, and heart disease →

Cholesterol/Lipids, Diet-Nutrition, Fiber, Flavonoids (Soy), Heart Disease

Complementary therapies as a foundation for effective cholesterol control

Dr. David Jenkins and colleagues at St Michael’s Hospital in Toronto have published research showing that diversifying cholesterol-lowering components in the same diet increases the effectiveness of diet as a treatment of high blood cholesterol levels.

Continue reading Complementary therapies as a foundation for effective cholesterol control →

Cancer, Raspberry Leaf

Black-raspberry gel to prevent mouth cancer

Oral cancer (cancer of the mouth) accounts for about only 4% of all cancers diagnosed each year in the US, but survival rates are among the lowest of major cancers.

Dr. Susan Mallery from the Ohio State University’s College of Dentistry reports that a gel made from black raspberry could stop oral lesions that often leave patients permanently disfigured. Continue reading Black-raspberry gel to prevent mouth cancer →

Aromatherapy, Lavender

Aromatherapy calms dogs during car travel

Are you taking the dog to visit grandma this year? Diffused lavender odor may be a practical approach to manage travel-induced excitement in dogs that are prone to that sort of thing.

In the finest tradition of a cross over study design, 32 dogs were exposed to the natural environment or the odor of lavender in random order during 6 rides to familiar walking sites.

Compared to normal odors, dogs surrounded by lavender in the car spent…

Continue reading Aromatherapy calms dogs during car travel →

Chiropractic, Pain

Two views of research results on chiropractic for low back pain?

SpineUniverse is “a collaborative effort of medical professionals to serve the community of individuals suffering from back pain.” Their editorial board includes more than 70 members, almost all of whom are medical doctors and no chiropractors.

As you’ll see, their conclusions regarding low back pain are not surprising. Compare them to the conclusions from a recent review by faculty and PhD candidates from the Department of Health and Chiropractic, Macquarie University, Australia.

Continue reading Two views of research results on chiropractic for low back pain? →

Basil, Bee Pollen, Caffeine, Coffee, Coneflower, Creatine, Dong Quai, Echinacea, Ginger, Ginkgo, Ginseng, Goji Berries, Guarana, Kava, Obesity, Vitamins, Ylang-Ylang Oil, Yohimbine, Zinc

Seizures associated with guarana in energy drinks

Recently, 4 patients experienced seizures multiple times following heavy consumption of energy drinks. The authors proposed that energy drinks rich in caffeine, taurine, and guarana seed extract could have provoked these seizures.

Here’s what we know about guarana thanks to researchers from the University of Florida at Gainesville and the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA) in Amazonas, Brazil. Continue reading Seizures associated with guarana in energy drinks →

Black/Blue Cohosh, Cancer

Looking back to see if black cohosh might prevent breast cancer

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in Philadelphia reviewed the records of about 2500 women — some with and others without breast cancer.

The objective was to determine if any hormone-related supplements they had taken in the past might be associated with a lower risk of breast cancer. Continue reading Looking back to see if black cohosh might prevent breast cancer →