The results of studies using cinnamon are inconsistent, but researchers from Sweden wanted to find out how cinnamon might lower blood sugar levels.
To do this, they measured the time for a serving of rice pudding (with and without cinnamon) to empty from the stomach into the intestines. Continue reading How might cinnamon lower blood sugar levels?
This reanalysis of the results (meta-analysis) from 8 studies concluded, “folic acid supplementation can effectively reduce the risk of a first stroke.”
But what about colon cancer? Continue reading Folic acid and the stroke connection
And, women like practicing yoga too. Continue reading Restorative yoga helps treat hot flushes
A survey of midwifes in the United States revealed that 45% used black cohosh to induce labor. The preparation is called “mother’s cordial? or “partus preparatus.” In addition to black cohosh, it contains squaw vine (Mitchella ripens), raspberry (Rubus idaeus), blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides), and false unicorn (Chamaelirium luteum).
What do we know about using black cohosh safely during pregnancy? Continue reading Black cohosh use during pregnancy
The value of folic acid supplementation is not clear. This large study found no benefit. In fact, folic acid supplements might cause harm. Continue reading The saga continues: Folic acid does not protect from colon cancer
Researchers from the University of Liège in Belgium reviewed 25 years of research and concluded, “Compelling evidence exists that glucosamine sulfate may reduce the progression of knee osteoarthritis.”
Here are the other key conclusions from the article published on Medscape. Continue reading Reviewing the role of glucosamine to treat osteoarthritis
HDL is “good” cholesterol because it picks up excess cholesterol in your blood and takes it back to your liver for disposal.
Dr Satoru Kodama and colleagues from Ochanomizu University in Tokyo reviewed the literature to find the best way to raise HDL cholesterol using exercise.
Here’s what they found. Continue reading Want to raise HDL cholesterol? Exercise longer
This survey explored the beliefs and practices of family medicine physicians regarding the use of nonconventional treatment for menopausal symptom management. Continue reading No surprise: Healthcare providers recommend the CAM they know
Contrary to common lore, black cohosh (Actaea racemosa) doesn’t prevent the hot flashes or night sweats associated with menopause.
Here’s more on what it doesn’t do. Continue reading Black cohosh has no effect on lipids, glucose, insulin, or fibrinogen
They’re not all the same, and the FDA has some advice that could help avoid side effects. Continue reading Know your psyllium dosage forms
This entry goes back to the top of the gueue in light of a new study of sertraline (Zoloft). Read the comment.
This is the first study to evaluate the Wisconsin species of American ginseng as a possible treatment for cancer-related fatigue.
Several academics and clinicians from Miami decided it was time to test Bach Original Flower Essence (BFE) Rescue Remedy. After all, it’s been sold since 1930.
Guess what? It reduced anxiety. Continue reading Putting Bach Flower Essence to the test
Adequate calcium intake (along with adequate vitamin D status) reduces bone loss in peri- and postmenopausal women and reduces fractures in postmenopausal women older than age 60 with low calcium intake.
It’s a key component of any bone-protective treatment.
And the recommendations are?
Continue reading Latest recommendations for calcium during peri- and postmenopause
Ingestion of chan su, a Chinese topical anesthetic and purported aphrodisiac, can cause a dangerous reaction similar to digoxin toxicity. Continue reading Digoxin-like toxicity cause by the Chinese herbal medicine, chan su
In 2002, the Parkinson Study Group reported that CoQ10 (coenzyme Q 10) slowed deterioration in patients with early Parkinson’s disease even though it failed to postpone the start of levodopa (Dopar) treatment.
Now, a study in patients with midstage Parkinson’s disease without changes on muscle function and control reports disappointing results. Continue reading New study disputes the value of CoQ10 to treat Parkinson’s disease
Sleep apnea occurs when people fail to breath while sleeping. Untreated, it can cause high blood pressure and other cardiovascular disease, memory problems, weight gain, impotency, and headaches.
Continuous positive pressure breathing (CPAP) is effective treatment. But it’s uncomfortable to use (photo).
Now, a study shows that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) improves acceptance of CPAP. Continue reading Cognitive behavioral therapy used to improve treatment of sleep apnea
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers to avoid using tubes of toothpaste labeled as made in China.
The warning comes after toothpaste containing diethylene glycol, or DEG, was detected in a shipment seized at the border and in products sold at two stores. Continue reading Consumer alert: Toothpaste made in China
In about 25% of people, the usual triple drug therapy fails to kill the bacteria Helicobacter pylori — the cause of the inflamed stomach and ulcer.
In this study, triple drug therapy was complemented by a probiotic capsule (Probinul) and lactoferrin. Continue reading Probiotics and lactoferrin improve treatment of gastritis and peptic ulcer
Science Business reports, “Martin Ingvar [photo] has been appointed Professor of Integrative Medicine at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, where he will run the recently opened Osher Centre for Integrative Medicine.” Continue reading Karolinska Institutet appoints professor of integrative medicine
This is apparently in response to the pet food scandal and the food poisoning linked to Chinese imports. Continue reading China sentences former drug regulator to death