Areas of interest for the nutraceutical industry and consumers include digestive health, omega-3, superfruits, and weight management, according to this article in Nutraingredients.com | Europe. Continue reading CAM trends to watch in 2009
All posts by JR
Cranberry extract prevents urinary tract infection
It’s almost as good as low-dose trimethoprim (Bactrim, Septra) with fewer side effects, according to researchers at the University of Dundee in Scotland.
Although, based on these results, it is as good. Continue reading Cranberry extract prevents urinary tract infection
CAM for myofascial trigger points and pain syndrome
Researchers from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in Toronto reviewed the evidence for complementary therapies. Continue reading CAM for myofascial trigger points and pain syndrome
Chiropractic management of fibromyalgia
Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania reviewed the evidence for chiropractic… and more. Continue reading Chiropractic management of fibromyalgia
What does it take to design a “good” study?
 When I criticize studies for their poor design, I sometimes receive emails from readers defending the researchers.
The arguments are predictable. “They don’t have the money.” “Only big bad pharmaceutical companies can afford to do ‘good’ studies,” etc.
Baloney. Continue reading What does it take to design a “good” study?
Long-term benefits of smoke-free public places
 Several studies have reported that laws making indoor workplaces and public places smoke-free are associated with reductions in hospitalizations due to acute heart attacks.
Now, results from The Pueblo Heart Study show benefits 36 months after the smoke-free ordinance in Pueblo, Colorado went into effect. Continue reading Long-term benefits of smoke-free public places
Spa therapy: Does it matter how long you stay?
Researchers at the University of Tartu in Estonia studied the duration of spa therapy on the management of osteoarthritis. Continue reading Spa therapy: Does it matter how long you stay?
Lowering cholesterol with flaxseed in postmenopausal women
Researchers from Oklahoma State University in Stillwater report a positive response in a sea of inconsistency. Continue reading Lowering cholesterol with flaxseed in postmenopausal women
Is this the secret to a successful diet?
 A diet’s long-term effectiveness depends on its ability to increase a sense of fullness and bring down carbohydrate cravings, report researchers from Venezuela and the US presented during The Endocrine Society’s 90th Annual Meeting. Continue reading Is this the secret to a successful diet?
Manual therapy for chronic mechanical neck pain
Researchers from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in Toronto reviewed the response to a single session of manual therapy in patients with chronic neck pain not due to whiplash and without headache or arm pain. Continue reading Manual therapy for chronic mechanical neck pain
What’s zinc good for?
Dr. Désirée Lie from the University of California at Irvine Medical Center has reviewed the literature.
She presents case histories and guidelines for its use. Here are the highlights. Continue reading What’s zinc good for?
Benefits of a low-glycemic index in diabetes
Researchers from Canada compared the effects of a low-glycemic index (GI) diet vs a high-cereal fiber diet in patients with type 2 diabetes. Continue reading Benefits of a low-glycemic index in diabetes
How to brew green tea for the best antioxidant effect
The difference between green, black, and oolong tea is in the processing. Green tea is made from unfermented leaves and contains the highest concentration of polyphenols, such as cathecin. Polyphenols are powerful antioxidants. They neutralize free radicals in the body that contribute to the aging process, as well as the development of cancer and heart disease.
Now, a study has looked at the process of brewing green tea to get the best antioxidant effect.
Continue reading How to brew green tea for the best antioxidant effect
Beneficial response to yoga in reducing hypertension
Researchers reported during the annual meeting of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians that “mind-body interventions may be prudent choices for adjunctive treatment for motivated patients.” Continue reading Beneficial response to yoga in reducing hypertension
Strength training from AARP
 The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) has adapted 2 exercise routines from Strength Training Past 50 by Wayne L. Westcott and Thomas R. Baechle (Human Kinetics, 2007).
The first uses free-weights, while the other uses an exercise machine. Continue reading Strength training from AARP
Fish oil doesn’t reduce the risk of arrhythmia
 But it does reduce the risk of death due to cardiac causes.
Those are the conclusions by researchers from Canada who combined the results of several studys and conducted a meta-analysis. Continue reading Fish oil doesn’t reduce the risk of arrhythmia
Acupuncture and menopausal hot flushes
Prof. Ernst and colleagues have reviewed the literature. Continue reading Acupuncture and menopausal hot flushes
The importance of knowing your healthcare provider
 For many patients, navigating the US healthcare system is daunting.
Continuity of care with a familiar healthcare provider helps patients get the most out of the system, according to researchers from several US schools of medicine. Continue reading The importance of knowing your healthcare provider
Complementary New Year Resolutions
 Dr. Harvey Simon, who is editor of the Harvard Men’s Health Watch, cuts through the clutter and provides 10 resolutions for 2009.
Surprise! They’re all complementary. Continue reading Complementary New Year Resolutions
Biggest winner in CAM for 2008
Vitamin D, of course.
A PubMed search revealed 146 studies in humans during 2008 for a dizzying list of conditions. Continue reading Biggest winner in CAM for 2008