This study has been picked up by just about every news organization — far different from recent study results on adverse effects of marijuana.

Since this site is fair and balance, here are the results from University of Nebraska College of Medicine, Omaha, on the relationship between marijuana use and fasting insulin, glucose, and insulin resistance. (more…)

The NIH Committee on the Consequences of Sodium Reduction… reports it might be time to entertain second thoughts on the importance of salt restriction.

It was just a matter of time. (more…)

In a recent post on the National Psoriasis Foundation discussion board, a patient stated that the dermatologist recommended “that I use a tanning bed as this is far more convenient and less costly than using light box therapy.”

This lead to divergent views on the role of tanning beds in psoriasis treatment.

Here’s what we know. (more…)

It’s reported that 55% of patients with ovarian cancer acknowledge a fear of dying, and 32% experience loss of hope in their fight against this illness.

Researchers at Harvard Medical School, in Boston, examined CAM and its influence on hopelessness in these patients. (more…)

It’s been shown in the US.

Now, researchers from Imperial College London and the InterAct consortium report an association with type 2 diabetes in Europeans who drink sugar-sweetened soft drinks. (more…)

The American Heart Association has summarized the blood pressure-lowering effects of several alternative approaches and provided recommendations for their use.

Here’s what we know in people with blood pressure (BP) levels higher than 120/80 mmHg. (more…)

Studies of acupuncture to treat chronic pain have largely failed to demonstrate an advantage of traditional acupuncture over sham acupuncture.

Researchers at the University of Michigan and Harvard Medical School studied whether the degree of enhanced sensitivity to experimental-pressure pain (hyperalgesia) may be a factor in determining whether a patient responds to sham acupuncture treatment. (more…)

Periodontal diseases often lead to tooth loss. The most common forms include gingivitis and periodontitis, which are caused by plaque bacteria around the gums.

Researchers at Rangoonwala College of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, in Maharashtra, India, studied the effects of curcumin mouthwash. Here are their results and a summary of other recent studies. (more…)

Cesium (or ceasium) chloride is promoted as a CAM cancer treatment based on the hypothesis referred to as “high pH cancer therapy.”

Researchers from Surrey Memorial Hospital, in British Columbia, reviewed the risk of developing a heart arrhythmia called torsades de pointes and cardiac arrest in people using this chemical as CAM treatment. (more…)

During EPI/NPAM 2013 — Epidemiology and Prevention/Nutrition, Physical Activity and Metabolism 2013 Scientific Sessions — researchers from Harvard School of Public Health, in Boston, reported that drinking large amounts of sugary beverages was associated with an increase in body-mass index (BMI), which in turn was linked with BMI-related deaths from diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. (more…)

Is excessive sugar intake associated with development of type 2 diabetes?

Researchers in California studied whether altering sugar intake might account for differences in diabetes prevalence. (more…)

Many dietary supplements are advocated to reduce certain symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). However, only one  — calcium — has been demonstrated to be of significant benefit.

Researchers at the University of Massachusetts, in Amherst, studied the effects of taking iron, potassium, zinc, and other minerals. (more…)

People with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) have abnormalities in their blood vessels. The most common manifestation is spontaneous and recurrent nosebleeds (epistaxis). More on HHT is here.

Researchers at the Johns Hopkins Sinus Center, in Baltimore, Maryland, studied the effects of sesame/rose geranium oil. (more…)

Maintenance acupuncture is recommended following successful clinic-based acupuncture.

Researchers at the University of Manchester, UK, assessed the effectiveness of self-maintenance acupuncture in the management of cancer-related fatigue (CRF). (more…)

Researchers from the US, Germany, and China studied the proposed benefits.

The results offer an opportunity to compare acupuncture to other treatment options. (more…)

Various topical emollients can affect the penetration of ultraviolet (UV) radiation during phototherapy of psoriasis.

Researchers at the University of Arizona, in Tucson, reviewed the evidence. (more…)

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) for preventing and treating the common cold has been a subject of controversy for 70 years.

Now, The Cochrane Library has reviewed the data. (more…)

Two more research studies warn against having a cavalier approach to cannabis.

First, researchers at University of Sydney, in Australia, determined the prevalence of recent alcohol, nicotine, or cannabis use in young persons presenting for mental healthcare. (more…)

Few studies have examined differences in ischemic heart disease risk between vegetarians and nonvegetarians.

Now, researchers at the University of Oxford, in the UK fill that void. (more…)

Statins are prescribed to treat high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease. Increased fitness is recommended as an essential part of promoting health.

Now, researchers at Georgetown University School of Medicine, in Washington DC, report the combined effects of fitness and statin treatment on mortality. (more…)