 This Cochrane review tells us if it’s effective for prevention or treatment of the common cold. Continue reading Garlic for the common cold?
Category Archives: J. CONDITIONS TO TREAT
Whole grains lower the risk of high blood pressure
 Researchers from Harvard School of Public Health, in Boston studied the association between whole-grain intake and the risk of hypertension in adult men. Continue reading Whole grains lower the risk of high blood pressure
Herbals vs hormones to treat cognition in menopause
Dietary herbal supplements, such as black cohosh, have shown mixed and inconclusive results in placebo-controlled studies of menopausal symptoms.
Researchers from Northwestern University, in Chicago, Illinois compared black cohosh and red clover to hormone therapy for their effects on cognition (reasoning). Continue reading Herbals vs hormones to treat cognition in menopause
Biofeedback to improve swallowing after stroke
 The effect of using surface electromyographic feedback to treat dysphagia in stroke patients was studied by researchers at the University of Amsterdam, in the Netherlands. Continue reading Biofeedback to improve swallowing after stroke
Benefits of acupuncture for carpal tunnel syndrome
 Acupuncture provides an alternative to corticosteroid treatment, according to this study by researchers at Kuang Tien General Hospital, in Taiwan. Continue reading Benefits of acupuncture for carpal tunnel syndrome
Another review of acupuncture for fibromyalgia
Researchers from Castile-La Mancha Health Research Foundation, in Toledo, Spain tell us what others have said before. Continue reading Another review of acupuncture for fibromyalgia
Report of a valerian-lorazepam drug interaction
 Here’s a report from Spain of a patient who self-medicated with valerian (Valeriana officinalis L) and passionflower (Passiflora incarnata L) while taking lorazepam (Ativan, a benzodiazepine drug). Continue reading Report of a valerian-lorazepam drug interaction
Treating endometriosis with Chinese herbal medicine
In China, treating endometriosis with herbal medicines (CHM) is routine.
Cochrane reviewed the evidence, and the outcome is encouraging. Continue reading Treating endometriosis with Chinese herbal medicine
Coenzyme Q predicts survival in heart failure
Researchers from New Zealand tell us, “Coenzyme Q10 deficiency might be detrimental to the long-term prognosis of congestive heart failure (CHF).” Continue reading Coenzyme Q predicts survival in heart failure
Effects of hydrotherapy in heart patients
Regular exercise helps protect the heart. Yet, many elderly patients with heart failure find it difficult to exercise on land.
Researchers from the University of Gothenburg, in Sweden measured the effects of hydrotherapy (training in warm water) on heart function. Continue reading Effects of hydrotherapy in heart patients
Artichoke leaf extract lowers cholesterol
According to researchers at The University of Reading in the UK, artichoke leaf extract (Cynara scolymus) makes a modest contribution. Continue reading Artichoke leaf extract lowers cholesterol
Summarizing the benefits of the Mediterranean diet
 There’s now a consensus on the value of the Mediterranean diet to prevent coronary heart disease and cancer. Continue reading Summarizing the benefits of the Mediterranean diet
Using diet to lower cholesterol
 What follows are recommendations from a meeting of experts in Australia where the evidence for dietary interventions to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol blood levels was reviewed. Continue reading Using diet to lower cholesterol
Garlic and the risk of cardiovascular disease
 Researchers from Hospital Universitario del RÃo Hortega, in Valladolid, Spain sum up the benefits.
Now, the hard work must begin. Continue reading Garlic and the risk of cardiovascular disease
Probiotics to treat C. difficile-associated diarrhea?
 Drs. Kennon Miller and Thomas Fraser from the Cleveland Clinic, in Ohio tell us, “Overall, the evidence does not support using probiotics to treat Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea.”
Here’s why. Continue reading Probiotics to treat C. difficile-associated diarrhea?
Summarizing recent vitamin D research
 New recommendations for daily intake of vitamin D are due to be released in 2010
For now, Dr. Sandra Fryhofer from Emory University School of Medicine, in Atlanta, Georgia presents an audio review of the status of vitamin D research and expectation. Continue reading Summarizing recent vitamin D research
School-based physical activities and obesity
There’s no effect on body mass index (BMI) or on other anthropometric measures such as weight, height, and waist size.
But that’s only part of the story according to researchers from the BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver, British Columbia who reported their findings during the American Academy of Pediatrics 2008 National Conference and Exhibition. Continue reading School-based physical activities and obesity
Top 10 reasons to ignore BMI
 A Belgian mathematician named Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet (photo) introduced the body mass index (BMI) in the early 19th century. Continue reading Top 10 reasons to ignore BMI
State-of-the-art: Behavioral treatment in ADHD
 Although more costly than drugs, behavioral treatments can improve functioning in many children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Dr. Desiree Murray from Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina compares different evidence-based behavioral treatments. Continue reading State-of-the-art: Behavioral treatment in ADHD
Guidelines for treating tobacco dependence
 Very few healthcare providers know them, according to this survey presented during the annual meeting of the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST 2008).
Researcher Dr. Virginia Reichert at North Shore-Long Island Jewish Hospital in Great Neck was “astonished.” Continue reading Guidelines for treating tobacco dependence