Researchers at Martek Biosciences Corporation, in Columbia, Maryland, studied the effects of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (an essential fatty acid) on improving cognitive functions in healthy older adults with age-related cognitive decline. Continue reading More support for omega-3 to slow age-related cognitive decline
Category Archives: J. CONDITIONS TO TREAT
Herbal formula fails to prevent menopausal vasomotor symptoms
Researchers from the University of Western Sydney, in Australia report no benefit after 16 weeks of treatment. Continue reading Herbal formula fails to prevent menopausal vasomotor symptoms
Consumer Alert: Vigor-25
The FDA tells us that Vigor-25, a product marketed as a natural dietary supplement to enhance male sexual performance, should not be purchased or used because it contains sildenafil, the active ingredient in the prescription drug Viagra.
The FDA is investigating the reported death of a 26-year old man, possibly associated with the use of Vigor-25. Continue reading Consumer Alert: Vigor-25
Food Allergy Herbal Formulation (FAHF-2)
During the annual scientific meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), researchers discussed how herbal treatments may be integrated into conventional allergy treatments, including this Chinese herbal formula.
Here’s what we know about FAHF-2, a Chinese herbal formula being tested to treat food allergies. Continue reading Food Allergy Herbal Formulation (FAHF-2)
Heinz Ketchup reduces sodium 25%
H. J. Heinz Company has reformulated its world-famous ketchup to comply with New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s National Salt Reduction Initiative.
It’s the latest salvo in the food wars. Continue reading Heinz Ketchup reduces sodium 25%
Predictors of yoga use among patients with breast cancer
Research suggests that yoga may reduce symptoms and improve quality of life among breast cancer patients.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania Health System, in Philadelphia, identified their characteristics. Continue reading Predictors of yoga use among patients with breast cancer
Pilates for low back pain?
In 2004, Prof. Chris Maher from The University of Sydney, in Australia concluded, “Physical treatments, such as… Pilates therapy… [is] either of unknown value or ineffective and so should not be considered.”
Now, researchers from Pilates Core Kinesis, in Madrid, Spain have published an updated review of the state of the art. Continue reading Pilates for low back pain?
Does vitamin D reduce progression of knee osteoarthritis?
During the American College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting, researchers in Boston reported (abstract 706) that adding vitamin D as a supplement did not lessen the symptoms or slow the progression of knee osteoarthritis. Continue reading Does vitamin D reduce progression of knee osteoarthritis?
Might vitamin D deficiency make you chubby?
Less vitamin D means more adiposity, according to researchers in the US and Bogota, Columbia. Continue reading Might vitamin D deficiency make you chubby?
Effects of Tai Chi on psychological well-being
Researchers from Tufts University School of Medicine, in Boston, reviewed the evidence supporting this low impact mind-body exercise. Continue reading Effects of Tai Chi on psychological well-being
Self-worth and the benefits of physical activity in menopause
Physical activity enhances quality of life (QOL). Researchers from The Pennsylvania State University, in University Park evaluated the influence of physical self-worth and positive affect on this relationship. Continue reading Self-worth and the benefits of physical activity in menopause
Art therapy for children with asthma
Researchers at the National Jewish Health, in Denver, Colorado are the first to report that children with asthma benefit from art therapy. Continue reading Art therapy for children with asthma
Tai chi on psychological well-being
Physical activity and exercise appear to improve psychological health.
Researchers at Tufts University School of Medicine, in Boston review the evidence for tai chi. Continue reading Tai chi on psychological well-being
Tai chi effects in women with osteoarthritis
The effects of tai chi on knee muscle strength, bone mineral density, and fear of falling were studied by researchers at Chungnam National University, in Daejeon, South Korea. Continue reading Tai chi effects in women with osteoarthritis
Herbals and the risk of an interaction with tamoxifen
Researchers from the Mayo Clinic, in Rochester, Minnesota have listed drugs to avoid when taking tamoxifen (Nolvadex) to treat breast cancer, but they omit reference to herbal supplements.
A study from the University of Arkansas helps correct their oversight. Continue reading Herbals and the risk of an interaction with tamoxifen
If you were genetically susceptible to Alzheimer’s would you take supplements?
Apparently, many people would, according to this study by researchers at Boston University School of Public Health, in Massachusetts. Continue reading If you were genetically susceptible to Alzheimer’s would you take supplements?
Music to control pain and anxiety during labor
Researchers in Taiwan studied the effects of music on women in labor during of their first pregnancy. Continue reading Music to control pain and anxiety during labor
Review of CAM for behavioral health
Evidence for CAM to treat depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been reviewed by researchers at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, in Kenner.
Here’s what we know. Continue reading Review of CAM for behavioral health
Benefits of tai chi in peripheral neuropathy
Tai chi is safe and effective in people with peripheral neuropathy, according to Louisiana State University, in Baton Rouge. Continue reading Benefits of tai chi in peripheral neuropathy
Short-term benefits of tai chi in ADHD
During the American Psychiatric Association (APA) Annual Meeting, researchers from Maimonides Medical Center, in Brooklyn, New York reported the effects of tai chi on self-control and mood in adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Continue reading Short-term benefits of tai chi in ADHD