The aim of this study by researchers at the University of Chile in Santiago was to see if the antioxidant effects of vitamins C and E are associated with a decrease in blood pressure in patients with hypertension. Continue reading Vitamins C and E in hypertension
Science doesn’t support the anecdotal benefits of Essiac
Essiac Herbal Tonics are commercially available complex mixtures of herbal extracts sold as dietary supplements and used by cancer patients based on anecdotal evidence that they can treat or prevent disease.
Let’s look look at the evidence since 2005. Continue reading Science doesn’t support the anecdotal benefits of Essiac
Vegan diet and type 2 diabetes
While both a low-fat vegan diet and a diet based on ADA guidelines improve blood sugar and cholesterol control in patients with type 2 diabetes, these improvements are greater with a low-fat vegan diet.
This is the conclusion from a study of 99 patients in Diabetes Care, a publication of the American Diabetes Association.
Music therapy and autistic children
Researchers at Aalborg University in Denmark studied the effects of improvisational music therapy on attention behaviors in autistic pre-school children. Continue reading Music therapy and autistic children
Debate: Don’t be fooled into legalizing marijuana
Earlier this year, a study published by researchers at Texas A&M Health Science Center concluded, “Consistent with other studies of the liberalization of cannabis laws, medical cannabis laws do not appear to increase use of the drug.”
Gee wiz. I guess that’s the end of that debate. Not really, as I debate the issue with a valued reader of this blog. Continue reading Debate: Don’t be fooled into legalizing marijuana
A complementary role for acupuncture in heartburn
Adding acupuncture is more effective than doubling the proton pump inhibitor drug (PPI) dose in controlling gastro-esophageal reflux (GERD) symptoms in patients who failed standard-dose PPI. Continue reading A complementary role for acupuncture in heartburn
Sterile water injection vs acupuncture for pain relief during labor
There’s evidence to support the use of either treatment, but which is better. Continue reading Sterile water injection vs acupuncture for pain relief during labor
How to encourage people to walk more
Although walking has health benefits, 80% of American adults report walking only 10 minutes at a time at least 1 day per week.
From Medscape, here’s what works to get them moving. Continue reading How to encourage people to walk more
Review of black cohosh for menopause
Prof. Ernst has reviewed black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) to treat menopausal symptoms. Continue reading Review of black cohosh for menopause
Consumer Alert: FDA stops fake cancer cures
23 American and 2 foreign companies that market phony cancer cures on the Internet have been told to stop this activity by the FDA. Continue reading Consumer Alert: FDA stops fake cancer cures
Regulating CAM in the UK
Medical News Today reports that the Department of Health Steering Group recommends to regulate acupuncture, herbal medicine and traditional Chinese medicine.
It’s recommended that this happen as soon as possible. Continue reading Regulating CAM in the UK
Misperceptions by a homeopathic physician
Geoff Woodin, a homeopathic physicians from the UK, has an us-vs-them view of homeopathy and allopathic medicine.
It’s not surprising given the onslaught of criticism targeting his field in the UK. However, his perspective of allopathic medicine is inaccurate, I believe. Continue reading Misperceptions by a homeopathic physician
Arsenic toxicity from Ayurvedic
Lead, mercury, and (oh yeah) arsenic intoxication have been associated with Ayurvedic herbal medicines.
Here’s an account of one patent’s experience. Continue reading Arsenic toxicity from Ayurvedic
Might mindfulness reduce the severity of hot flashes?
Preliminary evidence supports the feasibility of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) in women experiencing severe hot flashes, according to researchers at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Continue reading Might mindfulness reduce the severity of hot flashes?
Tofu associated with worse memory
Laboratory studies suggest that phytoestrogens, found in soy products such as tempe and tofu, could protect against cognitive (reasoning) decline. But an earlier study in humans suggested the opposite.
Here’s what researchers from Loughborough University in the UK found. Continue reading Tofu associated with worse memory
Coffee, tea, and the risk of stroke
Both beverages have antioxidant properties, and coffee may improve insulin sensitivity.
OK, but is there an association between coffee and tea consumption with the risk of stroke? Continue reading Coffee, tea, and the risk of stroke
The status of acupuncture to treat fibromyalgia
“At this time, the benefits of acupuncture for treating fibromyalgia remain unclear and require well designed controlled trials to identify its potential role,” concludes Dr. Daniel Rooks from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School in Boston in a review on Medscape.
Here’s a summary of his review.
Continue reading The status of acupuncture to treat fibromyalgia
Simplified tai-chi benefits the elderly in long-term care
Providing a simplified tai-chi exercise program (STEP) in long-term care facilities can promote physical health in older adults.
That’s the conclusion from a study in Taiwan.
Continue reading Simplified tai-chi benefits the elderly in long-term care
Effect of breathing instruction on panic disorder and stress
Recommendations to modify breathing patterns are commonly given to people with ordinary stress and tension, as well as to patients with anxiety disorders.
This study by researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine in Palo Alto, California used physiological measures to document changes in respiration to examine the physiological and psychological effects of breathing instructions. Continue reading Effect of breathing instruction on panic disorder and stress
Interactions between supplements and drugs used to treat AIDS
Researchers from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore have reviewed natural health products (NHPs) and antiretroviral drugs (ARVs). Here are the results
Continue reading Interactions between supplements and drugs used to treat AIDS