According to this study, you can if they’re n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) enriched eggs. Continue reading Eat eggs and lower your triglyceride levels?
Consumer alert: 12 dietary herbal supplements
Caught in the act by the FDA, Herbal Science International, Inc. (aka Jen-On Herbal Science International, Inc.) is recalling 12 dietary supplements that contain ephedra, aristolochic acid, or human placenta.
Human placenta! Continue reading Consumer alert: 12 dietary herbal supplements
Consumer alert: “Total Body Formula” and “Mega Formula”
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration advises not to purchase or consume Total Body Formula in the flavors of Tropical Orange and Peach Nectar, or Total Body Mega Formula in the Orange/Tangerine flavor.
There are 43 reports of people in 9 states who experienced serious adverse reactions. Continue reading Consumer alert: “Total Body Formula” and “Mega Formula”
Safety of probiotics and the translocation issue
Probiotics are increasingly being used for their health benefits and are advocated by many healthcare professionals.
So, what’s the problem? Continue reading Safety of probiotics and the translocation issue
Is the omega-6/-3 ratio still important?
In her book, Queen of Fats, medical writer Susan Allport contends that for optimum health and disease prevention, the balance should be one to four times more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids.
Here’s a different view. Continue reading Is the omega-6/-3 ratio still important?
Making a case for an endocannabinoid deficiency
Dr. Ethan Russo (no relation) is a consultant for GW Pharmaceuticals and a proponent of medical marijuana.
This article is the latest justification that “migraine, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, and related conditions display common clinical, biochemical and pathophysiological patterns that suggest an underlying clinical endocannabinoid deficiency that may be suitably treated with cannabinoid medicines.†Continue reading Making a case for an endocannabinoid deficiency
Vitamin D and age-related macular degeneration
Researchers from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey report that vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D) might protect against age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Continue reading Vitamin D and age-related macular degeneration
Now we know, dieting does not work
Medical News Today has an article on the results of a study published in the April 2007 edition of The American Psychologist.
Here’s what we know about dieting based on a review of 31 studies where dieters were followed for 2 to 5 years. Continue reading Now we know, dieting does not work
Is nattokinase a safe alternative to warfarin?
An enzyme called nattokinase can be extracted from natto, a vegetable cheese-like food that is popular in Japan.
Research in the lab confirms that nattokinase has an anticoagulant effect.
But…
Continue reading Is nattokinase a safe alternative to warfarin?
Complementary treatments for breakthrough pain
Breakthrough pain is a worsening or flare of pain that occurs in patients whose pain is otherwise controlled.
Dr. Neal Slatkin, who is director for the Department of Supportive Care, Pain & Palliative Medicine at the City of Hope has reviewed the treatment options — including CAM. Continue reading Complementary treatments for breakthrough pain
Medical honey for wound care
The evidence confirms its antibacterial properties and additional beneficial effects of medical honey on wound healing, according to this article published in Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Highlights from CAIM
The autumn 2007 session of the American College for Advancement in Medicine’s International Educational Conference on Complementary, Alternative, and Integrative Medicine (CAIM) took place in November 2007.
Here are some highlights. Continue reading Highlights from CAIM
Placebo effect: the ultimate complementary medicine
If someone advocates a complementary or alternative treatment, the first question to ask is not, “Is it effective?”
No, the first question is, “In clinical trials, how did treatment X compare to the ‘placebo effect’ in the same disease?”
To understand why, let’s start by defining terms.
Continue reading Placebo effect: the ultimate complementary medicine
Predicting adverse events following chiropractic care
Among 60 variables, only 4 were predictive of adverse effects in patients with neck pain, according to researchers at VU University Medical Center in Amsterdam. Continue reading Predicting adverse events following chiropractic care
Treating osteoarthritis with pycnogenol
Pycnogenol is a scavenger of oxygen free radicals. Here’s the latest in a series of positive studies. Continue reading Treating osteoarthritis with pycnogenol
Ashwagandha causes errors in measured digoxin blood levels
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera; winter cherry) belongs to the pepper family. The root is used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine as an aphrodisiac, liver tonic, anti-inflammatory agent, and astringent.
People taking digoxin (Lanoxin) should be forewarned that tests to measure digoxin blood levels could be affected by the concurrent use of Ashwagandha, according to a study by researchers from the University of Texas, Houston. Continue reading Ashwagandha causes errors in measured digoxin blood levels
Massage for lower back pain and sleep disturbance
By the end of this study, the massage therapy group showed better results compared to the relaxation group. Continue reading Massage for lower back pain and sleep disturbance
A closer look at Rhodiola rosea: A versatile adaptogen?
I came across this website and a review that recite the purported benefits of Rhodiola rosea (Sedum roseum; rose root). The story is remarkably similar to the story told at almost all other sites. (Google “Rhodiola rosea” to see what I mean.)
But what does the research really reveal? Continue reading A closer look at Rhodiola rosea: A versatile adaptogen?
Recognizing when it’s time to change healthcare providers
Dr. Jerome Groopman (not in the photo) — a physician and author of books about doctors and patients — discusses on CNN the 5 events that let to know when it’s time to consider leaving your doctor.
It applies to CAM practitioners as well. Continue reading Recognizing when it’s time to change healthcare providers
Don’t rely on garlic to lower high cholesterol
Several studies suggest that garlic has beneficial effects on risk factors associated with heart disease. MayoClinic.com even gives it a “B” rating (good scientific evidence for this use) based on studies lasting up to 12 weeks.
Others are not impressed.
Continue reading Don’t rely on garlic to lower high cholesterol