Omega-3 fatty acids, of course
There’s so much good stuff it’s hard to know where to start. Continue reading The winner in CAM for 2007
Monthly Archives: December 2007
Biggest losers in CAM for 2007
We’re talking about companies that manufacture, market, and sell adulterated “Natural” dietary supplements that are promoted to treat impotence. These unscrupulous individuals place unsuspecting users at risk of serious side effects.
Let’s shine light on the culprits in 2007. Continue reading Biggest losers in CAM for 2007
A CAM success story for 2007
That would have to be Polyphenon E. Continue reading A CAM success story for 2007
Dietary resolution for the New Year
The H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute in Tampa, Florida recommends eating more fruit and veggies to help you be healthier and shed extra pounds.
Here are some highlights. Continue reading Dietary resolution for the New Year
Is acupuncture a complement to or substitute for medical services?
It’s an important question for insurers, healthcare practitioners, and policy makers, say researchers from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry in New York.
Here’s what they found. Continue reading Is acupuncture a complement to or substitute for medical services?
Positive results using exercise to treat fibromyalgia
I’m piecing together the results of a study by Brazilian researchers presented at the recent meeting of the American College of Rheumatology. Continue reading Positive results using exercise to treat fibromyalgia
Using a soy-based moisturizer to treat photoaging
The researchers from Johnson & Johnson Consumer Products show that “a moisturizer containing stabilized soy extracts is safe and effective.” Continue reading Using a soy-based moisturizer to treat photoaging
Complementary options to reduce falls in osteoporosis patients
According to Drs. Julie Lin and Joseph Lane from the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City, “Nonmedical management of osteoporotic patients has a critical role in a comprehensive treatment plan.”
Here are the highlights from their Medscape article complemented by other sources. Continue reading Complementary options to reduce falls in osteoporosis patients
Korean pine nut tree and weight loss
The Korean pine nut (Pinus koraiensis), which is also known as PinnoThin was selected as the most innovative ingredient at the First International Conference on Innovations and Trends in Weight Loss and Weight Management (Slimming Germany)
It increases levels of the appetite-suppressing hormones (glucagon-like peptide-1) GLP-1 and cholecystokinin (CCK). But does this actually result in weight loss? Continue reading Korean pine nut tree and weight loss
Peppermint oil is “probably effective”
No consistent, good-quality patient-oriented evidence is available on peppermint oil (Mentha piperita). So, the authors based their conclusions on the criteria in the strength of recommendation taxonomy (SORT). Continue reading Peppermint oil is “probably effective”
Recommended doses of omega-3 fatty acids for heart benefits
Dr. Michael Miller from the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore presents the latest recommendations. Continue reading Recommended doses of omega-3 fatty acids for heart benefits
Should all hospital patients receive a probiotic?
Maybe, based on these study results. Continue reading Should all hospital patients receive a probiotic?
Finding a link for the proposed beneficial effects of omega-3 on Alzheimer’s disease
I usually shy away from animal data. After all, there’s a long road between the lab and the medicine chest.
However, in light of my nominee for CAM of the year (see 12/31/07 posts) the results published by researchers from California and Osaka are interesting. Continue reading Finding a link for the proposed beneficial effects of omega-3 on Alzheimer’s disease
Response to milk thistle among people with hepatitis C
Researchers in the Hepatitis C Antiviral Long-Term Treatment Against Cirrhosis (HALT-C) Trial looked at the use and response to silymarin (milk thistle extract) among the patients in the study. Continue reading Response to milk thistle among people with hepatitis C
Newfangled gadgets to prevent computer-related injuries
Medical News Today reports on research by Dr. Alan Hedge from Cornell’s College of Human Ecology in New York.
It’s important because repetitive-motion injuries are associated with one-third to one-half of all compensatory injuries at work. Continue reading Newfangled gadgets to prevent computer-related injuries
Lowering triglyceride levels HIV-infected patients
The use of potent antiretroviral therapy significantly alters lipid profiles in HIV-infected patients.
It’s clear that fish oil reduces triglyceride blood levels in patients without HIV infection. Now, this study evaluates fish oil to control blood triglyceride levels in patients with HIV. Continue reading Lowering triglyceride levels HIV-infected patients
We don’t know if zinc prevents diabetes or not
A review of the literature by the Cochrane Collaboration concludes there is no evidence that zinc can prevent type 2 diabetes.
In fact, there was little to review. Jaybee comments that the revised title to this post more accurately describes the state of the knowledge. I agree. Continue reading We don’t know if zinc prevents diabetes or not
Buteyko therapy for asthma
Buteyko is a specific form of breathing therapy (actually breathing restraint) that has been used in the management of asthma.
Here’s what we know. Continue reading Buteyko therapy for asthma
Effect of prescription omega-3 on triglycerides and coronary heart disease
Two old acquaintances, Drs. James McKenney and Domenic Sica from Virginia Commonwealth University, have reviewed the evidence. Here’s a summary. Continue reading Effect of prescription omega-3 on triglycerides and coronary heart disease
A role for acupuncture in breast cancer treatment
As many as one-half of patients with breast cancer experience chemotherapy-associated cognitive dysfunction (eg, perception, memory, judgment, and reasoning).
They are often interested in using acupuncture for symptom relief. But is it worth the effort? Continue reading A role for acupuncture in breast cancer treatment