It’s controversial.
Dr. Jay Hoecher at Mayoclinic.com presents his perspective. Continue reading Should children take multivitamins?
Ginkgo biloba’s inconsistent effects on mountain sickness
Researchers from Mesa State College, in Grand Junction, Colorado used 2 different sources of ginkgo and came to 2 different conclusions. Continue reading Ginkgo biloba’s inconsistent effects on mountain sickness
Review: Hatha yoga for depression
The evidence is preliminary but encouraging.
Here’s a review from researchers at Brown University School of Medicine, in Rhode Island. Continue reading Review: Hatha yoga for depression
Review: Acupuncture for Bell’s palsy?
Bell’s palsy is a form of temporary facial paralysis resulting from damage or trauma to the facial nerves. It’s the most common cause of facial paralysis.
This Cochrane Library review examined the effectiveness of acupuncture in hastening recovery and reducing long-term morbidity. Continue reading Review: Acupuncture for Bell’s palsy?
Effectiveness of patient education on pain and anxiety
Researchers at The University of Hong Kong, in China, studied the effectiveness of pain management education in people with musculoskeletal trauma that required orthopedic surgery. Continue reading Effectiveness of patient education on pain and anxiety
Consumer Alert: Revivexxx Extra Strength and Solo Slim
Both have undeclared ingredients, which were discovered by the FDA.
Both pose a risk to people who use them and are being withdrawn from the marketplace. Continue reading Consumer Alert: Revivexxx Extra Strength and Solo Slim
Review: Acupuncture for depression
Researchers at The University of Western Sydney, in New South Wales, Australia, conducted this Cochrane Library review. Continue reading Review: Acupuncture for depression
Krill oil effects in humans
A reader asked for a summary of the benefits of krill oil.
Most of the published literature is based on animal studies. But several researchers have studied humans. Continue reading Krill oil effects in humans
Laser acupuncture fails to improve menopausal symptoms
Acupuncture is commonly used to treat menopausal symptoms. Yet, its value is controversial, as summarized here and here.
Now, researchers at Victoria University Faculty of Health, Engineering, and Science, in Melbourne, Australia, studied the effectiveness of laser acupoint stimulation. Continue reading Laser acupuncture fails to improve menopausal symptoms
Soy isoflavones to treat hot flushes in menopausal
Hot flushes are the most frequent menopause symptom, and are characterized by sudden or mild waves of heat on the upper part of the body that last from 30 seconds to a few minutes,
Researchers at San Marcos University, in Lima, Peru, reviewed the evidence for taking soy isoflavones. Continue reading Soy isoflavones to treat hot flushes in menopausal
Best source of omega-3 fatty acids for heart health
People with known coronary heart disease should consume at least 1 gram daily of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids.
Researchers from the University of Missouri-Kansas City ask whether taking supplements provide the same benefits as eating fatty fish? Continue reading Best source of omega-3 fatty acids for heart health
Effect of blueberries on the metabolic syndrome
A PubMed search of “blueberry” and “antioxidant” revealed 140 studies — all based on the results of animal or laboratory studies.
This study is important because researchers at Oklahoma State University, in Stillwater, applied what we know from the lab to humans with the metabolic syndrome. Continue reading Effect of blueberries on the metabolic syndrome
Using education + music to treat sleep apnea
Researchers from the University of Kansas, School of Nursing and Preventive Medicine, in Kansas City tell us, “As many as 50% of patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea stop adhering to the prescribed medical treatment of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) within 1 to 3 weeks.”
They tested the effects of music + patient education on adherence to CPAP. Continue reading Using education + music to treat sleep apnea
Eating fatty fish improves grades in school
Researchers from the University of Gothenburg, in Sweden studied the association between fish intake and academic achievement among Swedish adolescents. Continue reading Eating fatty fish improves grades in school
Effect of breathing rate on pain and emotion in women with fibromyalgia
Researchers at Arizona State University, in Tempe studied the effects of breathing rate following thermal pain in women with fibromyalgia syndrome. Continue reading Effect of breathing rate on pain and emotion in women with fibromyalgia
Effect of diet on irritable bowel syndrome
Studies suggest that in one quarter of patients, symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may be caused or exacerbated by diet.
Researchers from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, at Chapel Hill, reviewed the data from a clinician’s perspective. Continue reading Effect of diet on irritable bowel syndrome
Massage patients with HIV/AIDs
Researchers from the University of South Australia (City East), in Adelaide, Australia reviewed the research. Continue reading Massage patients with HIV/AIDs
CYP2D6-mediated herb-drug interactions
Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) is a liver enzyme responsible for the metabolism of approximately 30% of all drugs.
Researchers at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock studied the effect of CYP2D6 on the metabolism of several herbal supplements and the risk of drug interactions. Continue reading CYP2D6-mediated herb-drug interactions
Effectiveness of cranberry in people with ileal enterocystoplasty
A diseased urinary bladder with low capacity and low compliance (ability to urinate) may require ileal enterocystoplasty (remove a part of the small intestine and attach it to the bladder to enlarge it and improve function [photo]).
Researchers at Hospital Foch, in Suresnes, France, studied a cranberry preparation with high levels of proanthocyanidin A (inhibits bacteria from sticking to tissue) to prevent repeated bacteriuria in people with an ileal enterocystoplasty. Continue reading Effectiveness of cranberry in people with ileal enterocystoplasty
Consumer Alert: ejaculoid XXTREME and stimuloid II
The FDA found that these dietary supplements contain sulfoaildenafil, similar to sildenafil (Viagra).
The inclusion of sulfoaildenafil as an active ingredient is not FDA-approved, making these products unapproved drugs. Continue reading Consumer Alert: ejaculoid XXTREME and stimuloid II