 NewsWise reports the results of 3 studies presented during the American College of Gastroenterology’s 73rd Annual Scientific Meeting in Orlando.
Highlights of the reports on probiotics used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) follow. Continue reading Probiotic studies presented at ACG
 Should you eat more omega-3-rich fish for a healthier heart, or avoid fish because of contaminants, such as mercury?
Dr. Donald Hensrud, who is chair of Mayo Clinic’s Division of Preventive Medicine has posted his thoughts on MayoClinic.com. And, I found a useful link to safe seafood, state to state. Continue reading A guide to eating safe fish
 Among the more common complementary therapies used in young children with recurrent otitis media are Echinacea purpurea and cranial osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT).
This study, by researchers at the University of Arizona, is the first well-designed study of each treatment. Continue reading Cranial manipulation and echinacea for middle ear infection
 Up to two-thirds of patients with MS use CAM. Continue reading CAM use in multiple sclerosis
 One-third of these patients use CAM.
Are they dissatisfied with mainstream treatments? Continue reading CAM use in functional bowel disorder
It’s one of the most commonly prescribed herbal formulas in Chinese medicine.
This study shows it has anti-inflammatory effects and reduces symptoms. Continue reading Bu-zhong-yi-qi-tang treatment of patients with perennial allergic rhinitis
Pedometer-based walking programs — even without going on a diet — result in modest weight loss. Continue reading More positive news about pedometers and weight loss
 Might reducing negative emotions explain placebo-associated pain reduction?
And, should the stress response be included in every placebo-controlled study? Continue reading Reduce stress. Reduce pain?
Dr. Don Goldenberg from Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, Massachusetts has a video and print slide program on Medscape that reviews evidence-based treatments for fibromyalgia.
The emphasis is on drugs, but more interesting is his support for a combined drug/CAM approach to treatment. Continue reading A stepwise approach to fibromyalgia therapy
30 days for low back pain, according to this study by the Liberty Mutual Research Institute for Safety in Hopkins, Massachusetts. Continue reading What’s the optimal duration of chiropractic care for work-related disabilities?
Despite the fact that it’s widely believed that lycopene protects against prostate cancer, Dr. Ulrike Peters at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle says “studies of the potentially protective role of lycopene have been contradictory or inconclusive.”
Here are two studies that support her skepticism. Continue reading A contrarian’s view of lycopene and prostate cancer
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has ordered companies to stop marketing unapproved drug products that contain papain for topical application to the skin. Continue reading FDA acts against papain
 Researchers from Wageningen University in the Netherlands have studied the relationship between omega-3 and -6 fatty acids and the risk of colorectal adenoma — a benign tumor. Continue reading Effect of omega-3 and -6 on colorectal adenoma risk
 Drinking more might lower the risk of liver disease, according to researcher from Zhejiang University in China.
But what about all that caffeine? Continue reading Effect of green tea on liver disease
Researchers from the Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan report it reduces side effects.
The results were presented during the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology annual meeting. Continue reading More support for acupuncture in breast cancer
“The data available are insufficient to assess any potential benefit or harm from polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) supplementation,” according to researchers from the Istituto Nazionale Neurologico Carlo Besta in Milan, Italy.
Here’s what they found after reviewing the available research. Continue reading Lack of benefit of fatty acids in multiple sclerosis
 The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is taking legal action against companies making deceptive claims that their products cure or treat cancer while offering either no proof, or quoting false clinical evidence.
The products affected include essiac teas and other herbal mixtures, laetrile, black salve (a corrosive ointment), and mushroom extracts.
Here’s a list of the companies and their bogus products. Continue reading Federal Trade Commission goes after false cancer cures
 Clinicians from Southampton University Hospitals Trust report on 3 patients with disabling salicylate-induced intolerance. Continue reading Treating salicylate intolerance with fish oil
 “The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has decided that resources are better directed at this time to testing other potential therapies for autism spectrum disorders, and is not pursuing the additional review required to begin the study.” Continue reading Chelation study for autism cancelled
 Many treatment options were reviewed.
The strongest evidence was for cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to reduce psychological harm in children and adolescents following trauma. Continue reading Support for CBT following trauma in young people