FDA has recalled Pentrexyl Forte Natural because the packaging is believed to be misleading — causing it to be confused with an antibiotic.
Chiropractic care of infants with colic
Researchers in Pennsylvania and California reviewed the evidence on the chiropractic care of patients with infantile colic. Continue reading Chiropractic care of infants with colic
Benefits on cholesterol of eating nuts
Researchers at Loma Linda University, in California reviewed the effects of nut consumption on blood lipid levels and the ability of different factors to modify the response. Continue reading Benefits on cholesterol of eating nuts
Lack of effect of an Echinacea cocktail on exacerbations of COPD
Upper respiratory tract infections frequently exacerbate chronic-obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Researchers in Indonesia and Switzerland evaluated the effect of Echinacea purpurea + micronutrients in order to reduce the severity of these infections. Continue reading Lack of effect of an Echinacea cocktail on exacerbations of COPD
Fatty acids, vitamin D, and the risk of psychotic-like symptoms
Low intake of fish, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and vitamin D deficiency has been suggested to play a role in the development of schizophrenia.
Researchers from Scandinavia evaluated the association between the intake of different fish species, PUFA, and vitamin D, and the prevalence of psychotic-like symptoms in Swedish women. Continue reading Fatty acids, vitamin D, and the risk of psychotic-like symptoms
High percentage of supplements are contaminated
The New York Times reports, “Nearly all herbal dietary supplements tested in a Congressional investigation contained trace amounts of lead and other contaminants, and 16 of the 40 supplements tested contained pesticide residue that exceeded legal limits.
Here are the details of what the Government Accounting Office found. Continue reading High percentage of supplements are contaminated
Drug interactions with St John’s wort
It’s a long list compiled by researchers at RMIT University in Victoria, Australia. Continue reading Drug interactions with St John’s wort
CAM in the US: Patterns of use
I’ve largely ignored these studies in the past, but perhaps it’s worth a second look.
To start, this 1993 study by Dr. David Eisenberg, who is now the director of Complementary and Integrative Medical Therapies at Harvard University, is considered a landmark in the field of “unconventional medicine.” Continue reading CAM in the US: Patterns of use
Effects of balneotherapy on quality of life in osteoarthritis
Researchers at the University of Siena, in Italy, evaluated whether balneotherapy (treatment of disease by baths) with mineral sulphate-bicarbonate-calcium water might achieve symptomatic improvement, and improve quality of life of patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. Continue reading Effects of balneotherapy on quality of life in osteoarthritis
Chiropractic and the risk of chest injury
Dynamic chest compression occurs during spinal manipulation.
Researchers at the Medical College of Wisconsin, in Milwaukee, analyzed the magnitude of chest compressions during chiropractic manipulation. Continue reading Chiropractic and the risk of chest injury
Using CAM to improve the lives of cancer patients
During the Clinical Oncological Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting, researchers at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, in Perth, Western Australia reported less distress, and improvements in pain, fatigue, nausea, appetite, sleep, breathing and bowel function. Continue reading Using CAM to improve the lives of cancer patients
Biofield Therapies: Helpful or Full of Hype?
Researchers from the UCLA Division of Cancer Prevention and Control Research, Los Angeles, California think Reiki, therapeutic touch, and healing touch warrant further research. Continue reading Biofield Therapies: Helpful or Full of Hype?
Combining acupuncture, diet, and exercise to control body weight
Prof. Ernst and researchers at Shahid Beheshti University, in Tehran, Iran, looked for additional benefit from acupuncture. Continue reading Combining acupuncture, diet, and exercise to control body weight
Benefits of aerobic training in people with asthma
Researchers at the University of Sao Paulo, in Brazil report it “may be especially useful for patients with higher degrees of psychosocial distress.” Continue reading Benefits of aerobic training in people with asthma
Is there a role for acupuncture in functional gastrointestinal disease?
Doctors use the word “functional” to describe symptoms or problems when they can find no anatomical abnormality.
Researchers from the University of Texas Medical Branch, in Galveston reviewed the evidence using acupuncture and electro acupuncture. Continue reading Is there a role for acupuncture in functional gastrointestinal disease?
Are those using CAM less likely to be immunized?
There’s concern that the use of complementary and alternative medications (CAM) may replace recommended preventive health practices.
Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, in Pennsylvania conducted a survey to learn more. Continue reading Are those using CAM less likely to be immunized?
Anti-inflammatory effects of heated vs unheated ginger
Ginger (Zingiber officnale) exerts anti-inflammatory effects, and heat treatment of ginger has been suggested to enhance its pain relieving effects.
Now, researchers from Georgia College and State University, in Milledgeville report the results of 2 studies in adults. Continue reading Anti-inflammatory effects of heated vs unheated ginger
Vitamin D deficiency and the risk of dying from pneumonia
Vitamin D plays a role in the immune response to infection.
Researchers in New Zealand studied whether vitamin D deficiency was associated with a lower immune response and worse outcomes in patients admitted to the hospital with community-acquired pneumonia. Continue reading Vitamin D deficiency and the risk of dying from pneumonia
Leeches to treat tennis elbow
Chronic epicondylitis (tennis elbow) is a painful condition with few treatments. It’s caused by overuse of the extensor muscles of the forearm.
Researchers in Germany tested whether leech therapy might provide symptomatic relief. Continue reading Leeches to treat tennis elbow
The Arthritis Foundation’s tai chi program
During the annual scientific meeting of the American College of Rheumatology, researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine reported (abstract 698) the results of the largest study to date of the Arthritis Foundation’s Tai Chi program. Continue reading The Arthritis Foundation’s tai chi program