 Fish oils rich in omega-3 fatty acids reduce triglycerides and raise HDL- (good) cholesterol blood levels, while phytosterols reduce total cholesterol and LDL- (bad) cholesterol blood levels.
But what are the combined effects on the lipid profile in people with high cholesterol levels? Continue reading Lowering cholesterol with phytosterols + omega-3
No better than placebo after 24 months of treatment. Continue reading Glucosamine and chondroitin for osteoarthritis
 It was designed to study the effects of chelation in patients who had survived a heart attack. Continue reading Another chelation study canceled
 Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and hypnotic medications are effective for short-term treatment of insomnia, but few patients achieve 100% relief with either alone.
Researchers from Canada studied the effects of combined therapy. Continue reading Combining drugs + CBT to treat insomnia
 Researchers from the University of California San Francisco studied whether creatine supplementation augments the effects of progressive resistance exercise training on muscle strength, energetics, and body composition. Continue reading Creatine’s effect on resistance training in patients with HIV
Dermatologists from Morristown, New Jersey report a case of a woman who developed “scalp abscess with subcutaneous fat necrosis and scarring alopecia as a complication of scalp mesotherapy.” Continue reading Bad effects from mesotherapy
“There is no robust data concerning the incidence or prevalence of adverse reactions after chiropractic,” according to reviewers from Portugal. Continue reading Safety of chiropractic
Researchers from the Universities of Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania compared a statin to an alternative treatment option that included lifestyle changes, red yeast rice, and fish oil.
A reader has reviewed the entire study and expands on the summary below.
Dr. David Guay from the University of Minnesota, in Minneapolis has reviewed the evidence. Continue reading Review: Cranberry and urinary tract infections
In a word, “frustration.” People with multiple sclerosis (MS) use CAM because conventional treatments have many side effects and they are dissatisfied with the results. Continue reading What motivates people with MS to use CAM?
At the Society for Investigative Dermatology meeting, researchers from Kaiser Permanente, in Oakland, California reported some confusing findings.
Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer. Although it accounts for only 4% of skin cancer cases, it causes most skin cancer-related deaths. The good news is that it’s curable if caught early. Continue reading Vitamin D is not associated with decreased melanoma risk
 Reporting at the Society for Investigative Dermatology meeting, researchers from Stanford University Medical Center, in California found an association between a lower risk of basal cell carcinoma over 5 years and higher blood levels of vitamin D.
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer. Statistically, approximately 3 out of 10 Caucasians develop a basal cell cancer during their life. Continue reading Vitamin D and the risk of basal cell skin cancer
Researchers at Nepal Medical College in Kathmandu measured the physiological effects of Nadi Sodhana (alternate nostril breathing). Continue reading Heart effects of alternate nostril breathing
Researchers from the Institute of Behavioural Sciences in Budapest, Hungary tell us it depends on what you listen to. Continue reading Does music improve sleep?
Of the many symptoms experienced by those at the end of life, pain is one of the most common, feared, and often undertreated,
Dr. Perry Fine from the University of Utah in Salt Lake City reviews the treatment options, including CAM. Here’s a summary. Continue reading CAM options to treat pain at the end of life
Piper methysticum (kava) has been withdrawn for sale in several countries due to concerns over liver toxicity.
The WHO recently recommended research into “aqueous” extracts of kava. Here are the results the Kava Anxiety Depression Spectrum Study (KADSS). Continue reading “Aqueous” extracts of kava to treat depression and anxiety
It’s just that the selection of acupoints and penetration of the needles appeared to be unimportant, according to the SPINE (Stimulating Points to Investigate Needling Efficacy) researchers. Continue reading Acupuncture is effective for back pain, but…
 According to the Wall Street Journal, government officials are considering different public-health efforts to help people curb the weight problem. Continue reading Time for the soda tax?
 Many tinnitus sufferers believe their condition will not respond to psychological treatments.
In December 2008, researchers from Philipps University of Marburg, in Germany reported a positive study. Continue reading Biofeedback behavioral treatment for tinnitus
Researchers from Italy focused on women suffering from migraine with aura. Continue reading First look at ginkgo to prevent migraine