A couple of PharmDs from Ohio have published a review of 16 weight loss supplements (and 1 drug) used to help shed excess girth.
I’ll give just the bottom line on each supplement here. Continue reading Popular weight loss supplements reviewed
Category Archives: J. CONDITIONS TO TREAT
Indian herb, Salacia oblonga, lowers blood sugar in diabetics
This is the second successful study of this herb, which is native to regions of India and Sri Lanka. Continue reading Indian herb, Salacia oblonga, lowers blood sugar in diabetics
Vitamin E, diabetes, and heart disease
Vitamin E seems to make a positive contribution in certain people with diabetes, according to this study by researchers at Technion-Israel Institute of Technology in Haifa. Continue reading Vitamin E, diabetes, and heart disease
The McKenzie method 40 years later
Robin McKenzie, a physical therapist in New Zealand, developed his Method in the 1960’s. He noted that extending the spine could provide significant pain relief to certain patients and allow them to return to their normal daily activities.
Here’s what we know about the McKenzie method for low back pain from a recent review of the literature.
Focusing on how black tea might protect from heart disease and stroke
The UC Berkeley Wellness Letter tells us, “There’s some evidence that tea drinking is associated with a reduced risk of heart attack. But it’s too soon to recommend tea as a way to prevent heart attacks.”
OK, but researchers from the UK have identified 2 possible protective mechanisms. The results are interesting because they go beyond simply stating that tea has “antioxidant” effects. Continue reading Focusing on how black tea might protect from heart disease and stroke
Acupuncture for treating knee osteoarthritis: Does it work?
A group of reviewers from the US and Europe concluded, “Because acupuncture may have small short-term effects, some clinicians and patients may consider acupuncture as one treatment option in a multidisciplinary approach to treating knee osteoarthritis.” Continue reading Acupuncture for treating knee osteoarthritis: Does it work?
Comparing electroacupuncture and manual acupuncture
David Mayor is the editor of the book, Electroacupuncture: A Practical Manual and Resource. In The Journal of Chinese Medicine he reviews electroacupuncture and its use to treat peripheral facial paralysis.
I found his comparison between acupuncture and electroacupuncture instructive. Continue reading Comparing electroacupuncture and manual acupuncture
Giving equal time to CAM options to manage stress
An article published on Medscape discusses the impact of stress on insomnia. In addition to a brief mention of mindfulness, the author limits the discussion to benzodiazepines or ramelteon (Rozerem), which acts on melatonin receptors.
There are so many other options that the author fails to even mention. So, I’ll mention them here. Continue reading Giving equal time to CAM options to manage stress
Effects of qigong on stress among computer operators
This study suggests, “Qigong [chee-kung] exercise may reduce stress [associated with] computerized work.” Continue reading Effects of qigong on stress among computer operators
Complementing dieting with counseling
The authors of this study at the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing in Pennsylvania tell us that the type of diet is important.
But there’s more to discuss here than just dieting. Continue reading Complementing dieting with counseling
Almost the definitive study on bone health in postmenopausal women
Treatment with genistein — a naturally occurring estrogen in soybeans — has the potential to regulate bone metabolism without harmful estrogenic activity in the breast and uterus,” says Dr. Herbert Marini from the University of Messina in Italy.
In this study, genistein had positive effects on bone health in postmenopausal women who had evidence of bone wasting.
Unfortunately, they didn’t measure fracture rate. Continue reading Almost the definitive study on bone health in postmenopausal women
The role for marijuana in medical practice
Two Canadian doctors debate the issue. And a reader debates me.
Enjoy!
Continue reading The role for marijuana in medical practice
The latest on flaxseed oil in diabetes
MayoClinic.com says, “Studies of the effect of flaxseed on blood sugar levels report mixed results. Flaxseed cannot be recommended as a treatment for diabetes at this time.”
But that was in February. Now it’s May. And here are the latest findings. Continue reading The latest on flaxseed oil in diabetes
Triclosan-containing hand cleaners
A couple of years ago I wondered whether the ubiquitous presence of hand cleaners on the walls of cruise ships, doctor’s offices, etc are worth the space they take and drippy mess they can make.
Researchers from Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston have looked into the value of soaps containing triclosan, the most popular “active” ingredient in hand cleaners. Continue reading Triclosan-containing hand cleaners
Alternative therapies in patients with osteoarthritis
Here’s a sobering account of the effect of alternative therapies on the quality of life and healthcare spending of Chinese patients with osteoarthritis (OA). Continue reading Alternative therapies in patients with osteoarthritis
Debating acupuncture’s benefits in stroke recovery
Acupuncture is not better than placebo, according to researchers at Aldermoor Health Centre in Southampton, UK. Continue reading Debating acupuncture’s benefits in stroke recovery
Effect of pistachio nuts on cholesterol levels
In 2003, the FDA stated, “Scientific evidence suggests, but does not prove, that eating 1.5 ounces per day of most nuts, such as pistachios, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease.”
This study supports that statement. Continue reading Effect of pistachio nuts on cholesterol levels
Review: Tai chi for osteoarthrits
 Prof. Ernst and his associates at the Peninsula Medical School in Exeter, UK set their sites on tai chi.
Yes, “there is some encouraging evidence suggesting that tai chi may be effective for pain control in patients with knee osteoarthritis.” Continue reading Review: Tai chi for osteoarthrits
CAM use during the phases of cancer care
Musculoskeletal complaints top the list of reasons people with cancer seek CAM care, according to researchers from the University of Washington in Seattle. Continue reading CAM use during the phases of cancer care
Palliative care for heart disease patients
People living with heart failure have similar symptoms and levels of depression and spiritual well-being as patients with advanced lung and pancreatic cancer.
Dr. David Bekelman from the University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine thinks, “Perhaps we can do more to reduce [this] burden for heart failure patients.” Continue reading Palliative care for heart disease patients