Sprinkles is a nutritional supplement containing iron, zinc, vitamin A, folic acid, and vitamin C. Researchers from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York traveled to Haiti to do the study. Continue reading Using Sprinkles to reduce anemia in children
Popular weight loss supplements reviewed
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
Abrupt termination of healing touch
This study was published in Complementary Health Practice Review.
Get ready. Continue reading Abrupt termination of healing touch
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
St. John’s wort drug interactions
In a pharmacy continuing education newsletter (InetCE 221-999-05-056-H01), Dr. Mary Chavez states, “St. John’s wort is the most studied herbal, and has the most evidence for significant interactions with medications.”
From her article, documented herbal-drug interactions based on reliable case reports, case series, or clinical investigations are presented below. I listed only generic drug names. A useful link to identify brand names from generic names is found here. Dr. Chavez includes more detailed information in the newsletter.
Everybody wants to certify dietary supplements
Will different certification programs and seals of approval help consumers select the highest quality supplements or just add to the confusion?
We probably won’t know for a while. In the mean time, here are three players in the field.
Continue reading Everybody wants to certify dietary supplements
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
What’s the long term effect of salt restriction on your health?
Lowering sodium in your diet will lower your blood pressure, but what about other cardiovascular benefits?
New data suggest, “Sodium reduction … may also reduce long term risk of cardiovascular events.” Continue reading What’s the long term effect of salt restriction on your health?
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
Is organic food healthier?
According to Claire Williamson, a nutrition scientist for the British Nutrition Foundation, “There appears to be a perception among many consumers that organic foods are more nutritious… However, to date there are limited data to support this view.”
But, there are some exceptions. Continue reading Is organic food healthier?
Links to surveys of every imaginable user of CAM
I don’t usually post the results of CAM use surveys because the results are predictable. I’ve never found a study that concluded few people use them.
However, some readers use this site for academic reasons. This link is for you. Continue reading Links to surveys of every imaginable user of CAM
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