Garlic (Allium sativum) is one of the most commonly used supplements.
But based on the results of this review by Professor Ernst at the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth in the UK, it’s most useful to simply season food. Continue reading Garlic: What’s it good for?
Earlier posts on this topic here and here might leave readers with the impression that the scientific literature doesn’t support glucosamine to help treat osteoporosis.
Considering it’s one of the most commonly used supplements, it’s worth another look. Continue reading Defining the benefits of glucosamine for osteoarthritis
The Health and Human Services’ Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality has reviewed the evidence and concludes that proof of benefit is lacking for dietary supplements, a common surgical procedure, and injected preparations. Continue reading A review of 3 treatments for osteoarthritis of the knee
Using a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) appears more effective than “present-centered” therapy (talking about current problems) to treat female military veterans and active duty women with post-traumatic stress disorder (PSTD).
Continue reading Using CBT to treat depressed female veterans
According to researchers from the University of Rochester School of Medicine in New York, conservative care for this abnormal sideways curving of the spine is poorly supported by scientific evidence.” Continue reading Disappointing evidence for nonsurgical treatment of adult scoliosis
High calcium intake seems to be ineffective at reducing bone loss in early postmenopausal women.
But what effect does your weight have on this relationship? Continue reading Assessing the connections between calcium intake, weight, and osteoporosis
The National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition has summarized the recommendations from official groups, worldwide. Their website should be essential reading for pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, and women thinking of becoming pregnant.
Let’s summarize their summary recommendations. Continue reading Summarizing seafood recommendations during pregnancy
HealthNotes Newswire reports on the new physical activity guidelines for adults 65 years and older, and adults 50 to 64 with chronic medical conditions.
Here are highlights from The American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association recommendations. Continue reading New activity guidelines for seniors
This, just in from The Independent.
Dr. Peter Canter and Professor Edzard Ernst from the Peninsula Medical School at the University of Exeter called yesterday [Oct 3] for the sale of herbal medicines to be banned unless evidence of their efficacy can be shown. Continue reading Banning sales of herbals in the UK
The results of this study suggest that probiotics might delay respiratory impairment. Continue reading Using probiotics in children with cystic fibrosis
Exposure to a familiar odor was associated with less crying. Continue reading The effect of a familiar odor on newborns during an uncomfortable procedure
Clinical Practice Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of low back pain have been published in the Annals of Internal Medicine by the American College of Physicians and the American Pain Society.
Here are recommendations #6 and #7. Continue reading Treating low back pain: Guidelines from the mainstream
A recurring theme in acupuncture studies is the difficulty (dare I say inability) in distinguishing between the real thing and sham acupuncture. An example in patients with fibromyalgia (FMS) is here. Other conditions with the same problem are here, and here.
Now, Drs. Thomas Lundeberg and Irene Lund from the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, Sweden provide a rationale for the conundrum. Continue reading Why is sham acupuncture “effective” in patients with fibromyalgia?
A literature review reveals there are short-term benefits following elective primary total knee replacement (arthroplasty) for osteoarthritis. Continue reading Effectiveness of physical therapy exercise programs after knee replacement
However, said Dr. Anna Enblom during her presentation to the attendees at the 14th European Cancer Conference, “Both groups [sham and real acupuncture] of patients reported that they believed the treatment had been invasive and effective in reducing nausea.” Continue reading Acupuncture does not reduce radiotherapy-induced nausea
The Women’s Health Initiative Observational Study reports “Panic attacks are relatively common among postmenopausal women and appear to be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in older women.”
Let’s review the study and then the CAM connection. Continue reading The health risks of panic attacks in postmenopausal women and CAM options
Lime has been used as a contraceptive and vaginal hygiene douche, particularly in Africa.
This study reports the safety of diluted lime juice. But let’s start with some background. Continue reading Critiquing the rationale for using lime juice douche vaginally
Garlic is widely promoted for its cholesterol-lowering effects, despite conflicting results from clinical studies.
Here’s another negative outcome and historical perspective in the Archives of Internal Medicine.
Continue reading More negative results for garlic treatment of hypercholesterolemia
Type 1 diabetes (juvenile diabetes) accounts for 5% to 10% of all patients with diabetes.
Now, The Diabetes Autoimmunity Study in the Young (DAISY) reports an association between high dietary intake of omega-3 and a lower incidence of type 1 diabetes. Continue reading Does dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids lower the risk of type 1 diabetes?
“Flexion-distraction [FD] involves the use of a specialized table [see photo] that gently distracts or stretches the spine,” says Dr. Arn Strasser from the Center for Chiropractic & Pain Rehabilitation in Portland, Oregon.
OK, but how does it compare to an active trunk exercise (ATE) protocol (see photo below) as performed by physical therapists?
Continue reading Flexion-distraction vs active exercise for chronic low back pain