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. Continue reading Dangerous heart rhythm disturbance caused by cesium
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. Continue reading Risk of death due to sugar-sweetened drinks
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. Continue reading Impact of sugar intake on diabetes risk
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. Continue reading Impact of dietary minerals on PMS
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. Continue reading Topical sesame/rose geranium oil treats hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia
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). Continue reading Self-acupuncture among people with beast cancer
Researchers from the US, Germany, and China studied the proposed benefits.
The results offer an opportunity to compare acupuncture to other treatment options. Continue reading Acupuncture for people with seasonal allergic rhinitis
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. Continue reading Using emollients to increase absorption of UV light in psoriasis
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. Continue reading Here’s what we know about vitamin C and the common cold
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. Continue reading More dangers of pot smoking reported
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. Continue reading Clear benefits of a vegetarian diet on the risk of heart disease
The most common use of ginger during pregnancy is to help relieve symptoms of queasiness and nausea.
Researchers at the University of Bergen, in Norway reviewed its safety in these women. Continue reading Safety of taking ginger while pregnant
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.
Continue reading Advantages of adding exercise to statin treatment
US News has an article on the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, which is aimed at providing nutrients to help reduce blood pressure as well as other benefits. With DASH, the focus is on dietary patterns rather than single nutrients.
For those who think it might be worth the effort, Dr. Barry Materson from the University of Miami says what you can expect in lowered blood pressure. Several years ago another article reported how DASH compares to other treatment options for lowering blood pressure.
Continue reading Benefits derived from complementary methods of blood pressure control
Researchers at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, in Chicago evaluated the effectiveness of an inpatient integrative medicine consult service for pain management. Continue reading Results of nonpharmacological approaches to treating pain
Concern arises from the increased use of fructose and high-fructose corn syrup as a sweetener.
Researchers in Switzerland and Belgium reviewed the evidence.
Here’s what we know. Continue reading Dietary fructose and the risk of metabolic diseases
Diets and dietary supplements are often used by people with multiple sclerosis (MS).
This updated Cochrane review reports on studies of dietary habits as an effective treatment for MS patients. Continue reading Diets for multiple sclerosis
Researchers in France participating in the GuidAge Study Group assessed the long-term use of standardized ginkgo biloba extract in elderly adults with memory complaints. Continue reading Ginkgo biloba fails to prevent Alzheimer’s disease
Only a third of patients with depression respond fully to antidepressant drugs, and little evidence exists regarding the best next-step treatment for patients with resistant symptoms.
Researchers in the CoBalT study (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) at the University of Bristol in England examined cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as an adjunct to usual care (including pharmacotherapy) for primary care patients with treatment-resistant depression compared with usual care alone. Continue reading A role for cognitive behavioral therapy in treatment-resistant depression
Dr. David Bailey from the University of Western Ontario in London, Canada, reported the “grapefruit effect” more than 15 years ago.
Now, Dr. Bailey and coworkers at the University of Western Ontario tell us that while 17 drugs were identified in 2008 as having the potential to cause serious problems when taken with grapefruit, this number has now grown to 43. Continue reading Expanding the list of drugs that interact with grapefruit juice