Researchers from the University of Yamanashi in Japan reviewed studies of soy isoflavones (ie, phytoestrogens [plant estrogens] found chiefly in soybeans) and report “It decreases bone loss in the spine.”
But… Continue reading Reviewing the benefits of soy isoflavone on bone in menopausal women
It has been suggested that Allium sativum (garlic) inhibits platelet function. If true, this might have positive (used to treat stroke) or negative (bleeding during surgery) effects.
Research from the Vienna Medical University in Austria sheds light on the subject. Continue reading Lack of effect of garlic on platelet function in healthy people
Cranberry juice has been suggested to have an interaction with the blood thinner (anticoagulant) warfarin (Coumadin). However, there are few reported cases of the warfarin-cranberry juice interaction.
Here’s one. Continue reading Caution drinking cranberry juice during warfarin treatment
In 2003, Germany, Canada, the United Kingdom and other countries banned sales of highly concentrated kava dietary supplements, which had been linked to liver damage and death. A summary report is here.
Now, researchers at the University of Hawaii at Manoa in Honolulu have studied the long-term effects on the liver of drinking kava beverages. Continue reading Measuring the effect of kava on the liver
MayoClinic.com has reviewed the topic and has recommendations.
Here are the highlights. Continue reading Nutrition and preventing prostate cancer
Research presented during the American Epilepsy Society 61st Annual Meeting shows that almost half of all people with epilepsy are vitamin D deficient. Continue reading The risk of vitamin D deficiency in people with epilepsy
Older adults who follow diets high in omega-6 fatty acids and low in omega-3 fatty acids have higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines — especially when they have coexisting symptoms of depression.
It’s important because depression is linked to the development of heart disease — a relationship that appears to be due to increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines (eg, interleukins and tumor necrosis factor alpha). Continue reading Exploring the relationship between depression, diet, and heart disease
It lowers blood sugar levels and A1c in people with type 2 diabetes, according to researchers from the Institute of Population Health and Clinical Research in Bangalore, India. Continue reading The beneficial effects of Coccinia indica on diabetes mellitus
Dr. Anna Garrett, a clinical pharmacist practitioner at Cornerstone Health Care in High Point, North Carolina, reports on the ClotCare International Registry of Interactions Between Oral Anticoagulants and Dietary Supplements.
Say what? Continue reading Documenting interactions between warfarin and supplements
Researchers from the University of Florida at Gainesville report it’s a safe and effective dietary supplement to reduce your risk of cold and flu symptoms.
And there’s more. Continue reading Green tea capsules to treat cold and flu symptoms
The effects of cilostazol (Pletal) and clopidogrel (Plavix) on platelet activity do not change when either drug is taken with G. biloba.
However? Continue reading Should you take Ginkgo biloba with cilostazol or clopidogrel?
Follow-up of adults who participated in the Trials of Hypertension Prevention (TOHP I and II) studies showed that a reduction in salt intake could reduce the risk of cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke, the need for revascularization of the heart, death associated with these conditions).
Let’s separate the effect of a low salt diet on disease from the risk of dying. Continue reading Long-term effects of salt restriction on cardiovascular diseases
Is it a good as dextromethorphan — the cough-suppressant found in many over-the-counter cold and cough medicines?
Researchers from the College of Medicine at Pennsylvania State University Hershey show that it is. Continue reading Benefits of honey on night cough and sleep quality in children
Does a typical yoga practice result in sufficient physical activity to improve and maintain cardiovascular fitness? Continue reading Measuring physical exertion with hatha yoga
In a previous entry, the use of ginger to prevent motion sickness was discussed.
Now, an article published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology reports that the combined results from 5 randomized trials of more than 300 patients indicate that a fixed dose at least 1 gram of ginger is more effective than placebo for the prevention of nausea and vomiting following surgery. Continue reading Ginger to prevent nausea and vomiting after surgery
Give your family and friends holiday gifts that help them eat healthier or become more active.
Twelve healthy suggestions
Polyphenon E is made from decaffeinated green tea, and contains catechins (antioxidants). It’s also called green tea extract. Continue reading Polyphenon E being studied to treat prostate cancer
Researchers from several hospitals in Hong Kong and Chongqing China evaluated the combined use of 2 traditional Chinese medicines as complementary treatment in patients who were getting only partial relief taking western disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. Continue reading Chinese herbs Ganoderma lucidum and San Miao San to treat rheumatoid arthritis
Nasal irrigation (photo) is a personal hygiene practice where the nasal cavity is flooded with warm saline solution. The goal is to clear out excess mucus and moisturize the nasal cavity.
This study compared this technique to a saline spray in people with chronic nasal and sinus symptoms. Continue reading Saline irrigation vs saline nasal spray to control nasal symptoms
Yohimbine (sold by the names Yocon, Yohimar, and others) is used to treat impotence (aka erectile dysfunction).
This study suggests yohimbine’s ability to change baroreflex control of the heart might yield additional benefits in certain circumstances. Continue reading Might yohimbine reduce the risk of heart disease?