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
A moderate dose of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) for 2 months reduced adiposity and atherogenic markers, and had no negative effect on insulin sensitivity. Continue reading The benefits of omega-3 fatty acids in people with type 2 diabetes
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was effective and safe in this study from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. Continue reading Magnets to treat major depression
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
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
There’s evidence — just not enough of it, yet.
Here’s what we know. Continue reading Taking stock: Evidence that omega-3 fatty acids might prevent colon cancer
Oral cancer (cancer of the mouth) accounts for about only 4% of all cancers diagnosed each year in the US, but survival rates are among the lowest of major cancers.
Dr. Susan Mallery from the Ohio State University’s College of Dentistry reports that a gel made from black raspberry could stop oral lesions that often leave patients permanently disfigured. Continue reading Black-raspberry gel to prevent mouth cancer
Professor Richard Beasley from the Medical Research Institute of New Zealand has studied the effects of marijuana on the lungs.
For chronic users, smoking just 1 joint is as bad for the lungs as 2.5 to 5 cigarettes. Continue reading Comparing cannabis vs cigarettes on the lungs
SpineUniverse is “a collaborative effort of medical professionals to serve the community of individuals suffering from back pain.” Their editorial board includes more than 70 members, almost all of whom are medical doctors and no chiropractors.
As you’ll see, their conclusions regarding low back pain are not surprising. Compare them to the conclusions from a recent review by faculty and PhD candidates from the Department of Health and Chiropractic, Macquarie University, Australia.
Continue reading Two views of research results on chiropractic for low back pain?
Recently, 4 patients experienced seizures multiple times following heavy consumption of energy drinks. The authors proposed that energy drinks rich in caffeine, taurine, and guarana seed extract could have provoked these seizures.
Here’s what we know about guarana thanks to researchers from the University of Florida at Gainesville and the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA) in Amazonas, Brazil. Continue reading Seizures associated with guarana in energy drinks
It’s only one patient (not the one in the photo), but it might reflect a bigger problem.
Here’s what happened.
Continue reading Arsenic poisoning from an herbal kelp supplement
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in Philadelphia reviewed the records of about 2500 women — some with and others without breast cancer.
The objective was to determine if any hormone-related supplements they had taken in the past might be associated with a lower risk of breast cancer. Continue reading Looking back to see if black cohosh might prevent breast cancer
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
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…
Researchers from the University of Yamanashi in Japan reviewed studies of soy isoflavones (ie, phytoestrogens [plant estrogens] found chiefly in soybeans) and report “It decreases bone loss in the spine.”
But… Continue reading Reviewing the benefits of soy isoflavone on bone in menopausal women
It has been suggested that Allium sativum (garlic) inhibits platelet function. If true, this might have positive (used to treat stroke) or negative (bleeding during surgery) effects.
Research from the Vienna Medical University in Austria sheds light on the subject. Continue reading Lack of effect of garlic on platelet function in healthy people
Cranberry juice has been suggested to have an interaction with the blood thinner (anticoagulant) warfarin (Coumadin). However, there are few reported cases of the warfarin-cranberry juice interaction.
Here’s one. Continue reading Caution drinking cranberry juice during warfarin treatment
In 2003, Germany, Canada, the United Kingdom and other countries banned sales of highly concentrated kava dietary supplements, which had been linked to liver damage and death. A summary report is here.
Now, researchers at the University of Hawaii at Manoa in Honolulu have studied the long-term effects on the liver of drinking kava beverages. Continue reading Measuring the effect of kava on the liver
MayoClinic.com has reviewed the topic and has recommendations.
Here are the highlights. Continue reading Nutrition and preventing prostate cancer
Research presented during the American Epilepsy Society 61st Annual Meeting shows that almost half of all people with epilepsy are vitamin D deficient. Continue reading The risk of vitamin D deficiency in people with epilepsy