Chronic constipation is common among the elderly and women. Doctors prescribe various treatments, and patients often use over-the-counter remedies.
Researchers at Queen’s University, in Kingston, Ontario, reviewed the evidence and provide perspective. Continue reading CAM options to treat chronic constipation
Cervicogenic headaches originate in the upper spine, neck, and upper shoulders. It can a byproduct of whiplash, neck injury, or muscle trauma.
Prof, Ernst and a colleague reviewed the evidence. Continue reading Treating cervicogenic headache with spinal manipulation
Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (aka POTS, postural tachycardia syndrome) occurs when an abnormal increase in heart rate accompanies going from lying down to an upright position.
Researchers in the US evaluated exercise training vs beta-blockadewithpropranolol (Inderal) treatment in POTS patients. Continue reading Exercise vs propranolol for postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome
Researchers in the UK studied whether motivationalinterviewing (aka talk therapy) might benefit mood and mortality poststroke. Continue reading Talk therapy for patients following stroke
Researchers at the Tuscany Regional Homeopathic Reference Centre, in Italy, studied the long-term outcome of children suffering from atopic dermatitis (the most common form of eczema) after an about 8 years. Continue reading Homeopathy for children with atopic dermatitis
Small studies suggest that yoga might have benefits.
Researchers at Group Health Research Institute, in Seattle, Washington, studied whether yoga is more effective than conventional stretching exercises or a self-care book for primary care patients with chronic low back pain. Continue reading Yoga vs stretching for low back pain
For decades, politicians like Mayor Michael Bloomberg of NYC have tried to get Americans to eat less salt.
Now Scientific American asks, “But if the US does conquer salt, what will we gain?”
Answer: bland french fries. Continue reading Finally, sanity in the salt wars
Researchers at the University of Schleswig-Holstein Medical Center, in Kiel, Germany, studied whether the timing of aquatic therapy influences clinical outcomes. Continue reading Timing aquatic therapy after hip and knee replacement
Drinking Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) tea is popular in Argentina and other South American countries.
Researchers at the National University of Cuyo, in Mendoza, Argentina, measured effects of Yerba Mate as part of a program for osteoporosis prevention and treatment in postmenopausal women. Continue reading First study of Yerba Mate for osteoporosis
Researchers at the National University Hospital, in Singapore, studied the association between taking long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplements and cognitive decline in an older Chinese. Continue reading Omega-3 and the risk of dementia
Researchers at Akershus University College, in Lillestrom, Norway, studied the effects of krill oil and fish oil on lipid blood levels and oxidative stress and inflammation in healthy people. Continue reading Krill oil vs fish oil
The NPF Scholarship Fund provides financial assistance to students committed to a career in the natural products industry.
The winner will demonstrate leadership potential and be enrolled in academic programs to enhance their leadership skills and knowledge of the industry. Continue reading Natural Products Foundation announces the NPF Scholarship Fund.
Researchers at the University of Chicago, in Illinois, determined whether sleep restriction attenuates the effect of dieting on excess adiposity. Continue reading Effect of insufficient sleep on dieting
The drug class, triptans is considered the “gold standard” of migraine therapy. Yet, they have limitations and many patients are seeking other therapeutic alternatives.
Researchers in the US studied feverfew + ginger for treating attacks of migraine early during the mild headache phase. Continue reading Feverfew and ginger treat migraine
Metabolic syndrome is the name for a group of risk factors that occur together and increase the risk for coronary artery disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
During the Endocrine Society meeting, researchers from Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City presented the results of a comparison of aerobic training (eg, walking) vs resistance training (eg, weights). Continue reading Walking vs weights for the metabolic syndrome
While rhinoviruses cause upto half of colds, up to 200 other viruses have been implicated.
Researchers at the University of Ottawa, in Ontario, reviewed the evidence for CAM to treat and prevent the common cold. Continue reading CAM for the common cold?
Eating antioxidant-rich foods may reduce the risk of stroke.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet, in Stockholm, Sweden, examined the association between dietary total antioxidant capacity and stroke incidence in 2 groups of women. Continue reading Antioxidants and the risk of stroke in women
Researchers at the University of Oslo, in Norway, studied the use of herbal supplements by pregnant Norwegian women. Continue reading Use of herbal supplements by pregnant women
Fat around the heart may be detrimental for cardiac function, especially in patients with metabolic disease such as diabtes.
During the Radiological Society of North America meeting, researchers from Leiden University Medical Center, in Netherlands, assessed the long-term effects of initial weight loss using caloric restriction on pericardial fat content and cardiac function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Continue reading Dieting to improve heart function in diabetes
Researchers at Statens Serum Institut, in Copenhagen, Denmark, explored the association between intake of long chain omega-3 fatty acids and the risk of cardiovascular disease in a large group of young women. Continue reading Cardiovascular effects of omega-3 in women