Prof. Ernst reviewed all cases in which chiropractic spinal manipulation was followed by death. Continue reading Review: Death after chiropractic
All posts by JR
NHS will not ban homeopathy
Despite ongoing and building criticism by the British Medical Association and others, the NHS (National Health Services) will continue to fund homeopathy in the UK. Continue reading NHS will not ban homeopathy
Treating hypertension with time-released garlic tablets
Researchers from the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences, in Moscow report that time-released tablets (Allicor) are more effective than regular garlic supplements (Kwai). Continue reading Treating hypertension with time-released garlic tablets
Review: Red yeast rice to treat high cholesterol levels
Red yeast rice typically contains monacolins, including monacolin K — the naturally occurring statin known as lovastatin (Mevacor). Continue reading Review: Red yeast rice to treat high cholesterol levels
Vitamin B12 and unexplained cough
During the World Allergy Congress, researchers from the University of Turin, in Italy reported that a “deficiency of vitamin B12 might be a factor in unexplained chronic cough and dysfunction of the pharynx and larynx.” Continue reading Vitamin B12 and unexplained cough
Benefits of omega-3 fatty acids in people with HIV
The effect of a dietary omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on triglycerides and markers of insulin sensitivity was investigated by researchers at Tufts University School of Medicine, in Boston. Continue reading Benefits of omega-3 fatty acids in people with HIV
Consumer Alert: Joyful Slim Herb Supplement
It has been a big week for product recalls.
Joyful Slim Herb Supplement is the third so far. Continue reading Consumer Alert: Joyful Slim Herb Supplement
Review: Acupuncture treatment for insomnia
The results are positive, but poor study design makes it impossible to conclude it’s beneficial. Continue reading Review: Acupuncture treatment for insomnia
Is there a role for hibiscus to lower cholesterol?
Not according to researchers at St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences, in Bangalore, India. Continue reading Is there a role for hibiscus to lower cholesterol?
Art, healing, and public health
There’s a paucity of supporting data, according to researchers at Penn State University, Hershey Medical Center. Continue reading Art, healing, and public health
Consumer Alert: Vialipro
Vialipro is sold as a dietary supplement in the US.
The FDA found that certain batches of Vialipro contain sulfoaildenafil, an analogue of sildenafil, which is used to treat male erectile dysfunction (impotence). Continue reading Consumer Alert: Vialipro
Managing nausea and vomiting in pregnancy
2 faculty at the University of California at San Francisco and the University of Utah reviewed the evidence and make recommendations for treatment.
Let’s focus on complementary options. Continue reading Managing nausea and vomiting in pregnancy
Consumer Alert: Slim-30 Herb Supplement
Slim-30 Herb Supplement is marketed as a “natural” herb for weight loss.
But an FDA lab analysis of this product revealed undeclared N-desmethyl sibutramine and traces of sibutramine (Meridia). Continue reading Consumer Alert: Slim-30 Herb Supplement
Evidence-based practice in CAM
In practice, evidence-based medicine means integrating individual expertise with the best available scientific research.
Prof. Ernst thinks evidence-based practice is “essential for any form of health care.” But how many professional CAM societies incorporate it in their codes of ethics? Continue reading Evidence-based practice in CAM
CAM for children undergoing stem cell transplants
Researchers in the US and Canada evaluated massage, humor therapy, and relaxation/imagery for reducing distress associated with pediatric stem cell transplantation. Continue reading CAM for children undergoing stem cell transplants
Testing TENS for primary writing tremor
Primary writing tremor (PWT) is a type of task-specific tremor that occurs during and interferes with handwriting. It’s not “writers cramp” and probably differs from other forms of tremor, although the pathophysiology isn’t clear.
Researchers at INSERM, in Paris, France tested transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) as a treatment. Continue reading Testing TENS for primary writing tremor
Green tea and the bortezomib interaction
During the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research, scientists from the University of Southern California reported that green tea might reduce the effect of bortezomib (Velcade), which is used to treat multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma. Continue reading Green tea and the bortezomib interaction
Vitamin D and the risk of dementia
No prospective study has examined the association between vitamin D and cognitive decline or dementia,… until now.
Researchers in the US, UK, and Italy studied whether low blood levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) are associated with an increased risk of substantial cognitive decline. Continue reading Vitamin D and the risk of dementia
Perspective on homocysteine in heart disease
Researchers at the University of Palermo, in Italy summarize past evidence.
And SEARCH researchers bring us up to the moment. Continue reading Perspective on homocysteine in heart disease
New vitamin D recommendations from Canada
The results from many studies in the past 2 years make it clear that current vitamin D guidelines aren’t sufficient, and we can’t rely on the sun to meet our daily requirements.
Here are the latest recommendations from Osteoporosis Canada. Continue reading New vitamin D recommendations from Canada