Dr. Alastair Cunningham of Toronto, Ontario and Dr. Abram Hoffer of Victoria, BC received the honor at an award ceremony in Vancouver last November. Continue reading Winners of the Dr. Rogers Prize for Excellence in CAM
Category Archives: Diet-Nutrition
Regulating CAM in the UK
Presently, “Anyone can set themselves up as an acupuncturist, homoeopath, herbalist, or other complementary therapist,” reports TimesOnLine.
This will change in April 2008. Continue reading Regulating CAM in the UK
The JELIS study: Fish oil, statins, and heart disease
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) from fish oil lowers triglyceride levels.
Now, a study in Japan reports that adding EPA to low-dose statin therapy lowers the risk for certain major coronary events, including nonfatal heart attacks, unstable angina and the need for revascularization procedures). Continue reading The JELIS study: Fish oil, statins, and heart disease
Complementary therapies as a foundation for effective cholesterol control
Dr. David Jenkins and colleagues at St Michael’s Hospital in Toronto have published research showing that diversifying cholesterol-lowering components in the same diet increases the effectiveness of diet as a treatment of high blood cholesterol levels.
Continue reading Complementary therapies as a foundation for effective cholesterol control
Eating cereals high in fiber and magnesium might lower the risk of type 2 diabetes
Researchers from the German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke in Nuthetal monitored more than 2500 adults from 1994 to 2005. Continue reading Eating cereals high in fiber and magnesium might lower the risk of type 2 diabetes
Lack of support for dietary supplements to prevent or treat heart disease
A literature review published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found 15 supplements that had been studied for their benefits in preventing or treating coronary heart disease.
According to the researchers from the University of Washington in Seattle…
- “Most had little data available and most of the data were of poor quality. Continue reading Lack of support for dietary supplements to prevent or treat heart disease
Nutrition and preventing prostate cancer
MayoClinic.com has reviewed the topic and has recommendations.
Here are the highlights. Continue reading Nutrition and preventing prostate cancer
Exploring the relationship between depression, diet, and heart disease
Older adults who follow diets high in omega-6 fatty acids and low in omega-3 fatty acids have higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines — especially when they have coexisting symptoms of depression.
It’s important because depression is linked to the development of heart disease — a relationship that appears to be due to increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines (eg, interleukins and tumor necrosis factor alpha). Continue reading Exploring the relationship between depression, diet, and heart disease
Healthy holiday gift suggestions
Give your family and friends holiday gifts that help them eat healthier or become more active.
Twelve healthy suggestions
Waste products as the next nutraceuticals?
NutraIngredients.com reports that scientists from Teagasc (the Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority) have found a potential use for waste as a potential source of antioxidants.
For example… Continue reading Waste products as the next nutraceuticals?
Using fiber to lower C-reactive protein blood levels
Most studies show that the risk of having a heart attack increases as blood levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) get higher. In fact, in any group of people the risk for heart attack is twice as high for those in the upper third of CRP levels compared to those whose CRP is in the lower third.
This study shows that taking about 30 grams of fiber per day can significantly lower blood levels of CRP.
Continue reading Using fiber to lower C-reactive protein blood levels
CAM recommendations to treat chronic constipation
Dr. Brooks Cash from the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland has published a detailed review on Medscape.
There are some surprising conclusions regarding common treatments, including fluids, dietary fiber, physical activity, education, enema, and biofeedback. Continue reading CAM recommendations to treat chronic constipation
Looking to diet to improve health
A clinical study and an FDA report look to more informed dietary decisions as a pathway to better health.
Functional foods, nutraceuticals, and your local food store
Since Hippocrates advised “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food,” we have defined medicines and foods based on what is known about each substance in terms of efficacy, safety and the significance of its perceived contribution to health.
Over time, we redefine these substances as our experience and expectations change.
Continue reading Functional foods, nutraceuticals, and your local food store
Teaching CAM in allopathic and osteopathic medical schools
Yes, they teach CAM at osteopathic and allopathic medical schools.
This survey concludes we need less advocacy and more reliance on evidence-based medicine (ie, combining research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values).
Continue reading Teaching CAM in allopathic and osteopathic medical schools
Remember, dietary supplements can’t actually claim to treat or cure anything
That’s why phrases like “boosts you immune system” and “enhances (insert organ of choice) health” are popular. They don’t mean anything.
However, when you make unsubstantiated claims (eg, treat, cure), the FDA gets annoyed. For example? Continue reading Remember, dietary supplements can’t actually claim to treat or cure anything
When trans fats don’t really matter
Hardee’s has added the new Country Breakfast Burrito to its menu.
There’s nothing complementary about it, except to warn everyone its here. Continue reading When trans fats don’t really matter
2007 Guidelines for Preventing Cardiovascular Disease in Women
How many of these recommendations from the American Heart Association relate to complementary lifestyle changes discussed on this blog?
Continue reading 2007 Guidelines for Preventing Cardiovascular Disease in Women
Integrating CAM into traditional cancer treatments in Chicago
The Cancer Integrative Medicine Program at Rush University Medical Center focuses on dealing with the emotional, psychological, and spiritual effects of cancer. Continue reading Integrating CAM into traditional cancer treatments in Chicago
Innovation in portion control to treat obesity
On a recent trip to Paris I was told that the reason there are no fat Parisian women is because they understand portion control in their diet. Restaurants in France serve smaller portions. Nobody complains because … well … they’re in Paris, after all.
Here’s a typical American approach to portion control, from Dr. Mary Ellen Camire and Megan Blackmore writing in the latest edition of Food Technology magazine.
Continue reading Innovation in portion control to treat obesity