During the annual meeting of the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology, in Lisbon, Portugal, researchers at Copenhagen University Hospital, in Denmark, reported for the first time that the dietary supplement coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) cut in half the death rate of patients suffering from advanced heart failure. Continue reading CoQ10 improves survival in chronic heart failure
Category Archives: J. CONDITIONS TO TREAT
Lower fasting blood sugar levels associated with marijuana use
This study has been picked up by just about every news organization — far different from recent study results on adverse effects of marijuana.
Since this site is fair and balance, here are the results from University of Nebraska College of Medicine, Omaha, on the relationship between marijuana use and fasting insulin, glucose, and insulin resistance. Continue reading Lower fasting blood sugar levels associated with marijuana use
Benefits of reducing salt intake: Reality sets in
The NIH Committee on the Consequences of Sodium Reduction… reports it might be time to entertain second thoughts on the importance of salt restriction.
It was just a matter of time. Continue reading Benefits of reducing salt intake: Reality sets in
Tanning beds to treat psoriasis?
In a recent post on the National Psoriasis Foundation discussion board, a patient stated that the dermatologist recommended “that I use a tanning bed as this is far more convenient and less costly than using light box therapy.”
This lead to divergent views on the role of tanning beds in psoriasis treatment.
Here’s what we know. Continue reading Tanning beds to treat psoriasis?
Hopelessness and the value of CAM in ovarian cancer
It’s reported that 55% of patients with ovarian cancer acknowledge a fear of dying, and 32% experience loss of hope in their fight against this illness.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School, in Boston, examined CAM and its influence on hopelessness in these patients. Continue reading Hopelessness and the value of CAM in ovarian cancer
Increased risk of type 2 diabetes associated with sugar-sweetened drinks
It’s been shown in the US.
Now, researchers from Imperial College London and the InterAct consortium report an association with type 2 diabetes in Europeans who drink sugar-sweetened soft drinks. 
Continue reading Increased risk of type 2 diabetes associated with sugar-sweetened drinks
Review: Benefits of CAM to help treat hypertension
The American Heart Association has summarized the blood pressure-lowering effects of several alternative approaches and provided recommendations for their use.
Here’s what we know in people with blood pressure (BP) levels higher than 120/80 mmHg. Continue reading Review: Benefits of CAM to help treat hypertension
Pain sensitivity as a predictor of response to sham acupuncture
Studies of acupuncture to treat chronic pain have largely failed to demonstrate an advantage of traditional acupuncture over sham acupuncture.
Researchers at the University of Michigan and Harvard Medical School studied whether the degree of enhanced sensitivity to experimental-pressure pain (hyperalgesia) may be a factor in determining whether a patient responds to sham acupuncture treatment. Continue reading Pain sensitivity as a predictor of response to sham acupuncture
Curcumin to treat gingivitis
Periodontal diseases often lead to tooth loss. The most common forms include gingivitis and periodontitis, which are caused by plaque bacteria around the gums.
Researchers at Rangoonwala College of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, in Maharashtra, India, studied the effects of curcumin mouthwash. Here are their results and a summary of other recent studies. Continue reading Curcumin to treat gingivitis
Dangerous heart rhythm disturbance caused by cesium
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
Risk of death due to sugar-sweetened drinks
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
Impact of sugar intake on diabetes risk
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
Impact of dietary minerals on PMS
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
Topical sesame/rose geranium oil treats hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia
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
Self-acupuncture among people with beast cancer
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
Acupuncture for people with seasonal allergic rhinitis
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
Using emollients to increase absorption of UV light in psoriasis
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
Here’s what we know about vitamin C and the common cold
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
More dangers of pot smoking reported
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
Clear benefits of a vegetarian diet on the risk of heart disease
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