Here’s a study that looked at the feasibility and clinical impact of prescribing several ayurvedic treatments in 60 people newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
Continue reading An ayurvedic protocol to treat type 2 diabetes
Marijuana to treat pain in Canada
North of the (US) border it’s possible to get medical marijuana from the government if you have a “grave or debilitating disease.”
Here’s a report on a group of such patients who reported relief from smoking or taking marijuana by mouth.
Duct tape to treat warts?
Several years ago duct tape became popular as a treatment for warts (Verruca vulgaris) after it was reported that complete resolution occurred in 85% of patients treated with duct tape vs 60% of those treated with cryosurgery.
Now, another study disputes the value of duct tape.
Botulinum toxin type A vs topical creams to treat forehead wrinkles
There’s nothing more complementary than removing a facial wrinkle. Botulinum toxin type A (Botox) is the gold standard for removing glabellar rhytids (forehead winkles). So, it’s not surprising when topical creams sold without a prescription purport to give similar or better outcomes.
Fat chance.
Continue reading Botulinum toxin type A vs topical creams to treat forehead wrinkles
McDonalds testing healthier fries
Crain’s Chicago Business reports that McDonald’s is testing a new form of healthier fries at nearly 1200 US locations, and reportedly is making positive strides.
Probiotic fails to produce a major change in serum lipids
There’s lots of interest in probiotics, so I guess it’s not surprising to see if Lactobacillus fermentum lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.
Unfortunately, there’s no effect. More info here if you’re interested.
12/24/06 21:19 JR
Opportunities for memory training and non-drug treatments to slow dementia
The results of the Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly (ACTIVE) study were summarized here recently.
Now, Dr. Sally Shumaker, professor of public health sciences and associate dean for research at Wake Forest University Medical School, writes about the study’s implications in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Continue reading Opportunities for memory training and non-drug treatments to slow dementia
The use of homeopathy among celebrities
I was surprised to learn of the popularity of homeopathy among today’s luminaries.
Here’s a list.
Experience with a synbiotic formula in critically ill trauma patients
A study from the University of Thessaloniki in Greece reports that administering a synbiotic formula has beneficial effects in critically ill trauma patients.
Continue reading Experience with a synbiotic formula in critically ill trauma patients
Cannabis and the risk of panic attacks
Cannabis (marijuana) dependence is associated with an increased risk of panic attacks.
More than 4000 Colorado adults participated in a study of the lifetime associations between cannabis use, abuse, and dependence, and the risk of panic attacks.
Homeopathic remedy reduces symptoms of rhinosinusitis
Rhinosinusitis refers to symptoms (nasal obstruction/discharge and loss of smell) of a cold or allergy that involve the nasal passages and the sinuses.
This study (written in German) in 144 patients with acute rhinosinusitis showed improvement in those receiving the homeopathic remedy compared to patients who received placebo.
Continue reading Homeopathic remedy reduces symptoms of rhinosinusitis
Black cohosh does not reduce menopausal symptoms
Another study reports that black cohosh is useless to prevent hot flashes and night sweats associated with menopause.
Here are the results from the Herbal Alternatives (HALT) for Menopause Study, funded by the National Institutes of Health.
Continue reading Black cohosh does not reduce menopausal symptoms
State-of-the-art: Acupuncture to treat nausea and vomiting
In a published review, the effectiveness of acupuncture was evaluated in postoperative nausea and vomiting, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, and pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting.
Continue reading State-of-the-art: Acupuncture to treat nausea and vomiting
Vitamin K and prevention of fractures
A review of 13 randomized controlled studies reported, “supplementation with phytonadione and menaquinone-4 reduces bone loss. In the case of the latter, there’s a strong effect on incident fractures among Japanese patients.”
Here’s some background and then the facts.
Probiotics and early studies of abdominal pain control
Animal studies are usually too early in the drug development process to be of interest to this blog, but here’s an interesting study in the news.
Continue reading Probiotics and early studies of abdominal pain control
Eating vegetables raises your ORAC
This site prevously Marijuana and morning sickness
The message couldn’t be clearer.
- Smoking during pregnancy puts mother’s and baby’s life at risk.
- If all pregnant women stopped smoking, there would be an estimated 10% reduction in infant deaths.
- Complications of smoking during pregnancy include ectopic pregnancy, placenta previa, and placental abruption.
- Smoking increases the risk of stillbirth, miscarriage, and severe vaginal bleeding.
Yet, somebody in The Vancouver Compassion Society thought it was a good idea to conduct a study of marijuana smoking to treat morning sickness.
Aromatherapy to lessen menstrual cramps
Abdominal massage using two drops of lavender (Lavandula officinalis), one drop of clary sage (Salvia sclarea), and one drop of rose (Rosa centifolia) in 5 mL of almond oil was more effective than no treatment or almond oil alone.
Here are the details.
The relationship between beverages and obesity, and what to do about it
Over several decades, overweight and obesity have increased in all Amereicans. At the same time there’s been an increased daily intake of 150-300 kcal, with approximately half coming from drinking sweetened beverages.
So, what should we drink?
Continue reading The relationship between beverages and obesity, and what to do about it
Talk therapy for depression
A few years ago Consumer Reports reported on more than 3000 readers who rated their care for depression.
“A combination of talk therapy and drugs often worked best. But ‘mostly talk’ therapy was almost as effective if it lasted for 13 or more visits.”
It turns out there’s more to talk therapy than the obvious “talking” part.