Using data from a study of pregnant women from an inland area in the US South, researchers at Duke University, in Durham, North Carolina, sought to understand the fish consumption habits and associated mercury levels. Continue reading Demographics and the risk for high mercury levels?
Review: Pilates for chronic low back pain
Researchers at the Universidade Estadual de Londrina-UEM, in Brazil, evaluated the effectiveness of the Pilates method on the pain and function in adults with non-specific chronic low back pain. Continue reading Review: Pilates for chronic low back pain
Effect of fish oil on weight loss during chemotherapy
Involuntary weight loss is a major contributor to mortality and morbidity in patients with advanced cancer.
Researchers at the University of Alberta, in Edmonton, studied patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer first-line chemotherapy. Continue reading Effect of fish oil on weight loss during chemotherapy
Ayurvedic treatments for diabetes mellitus
In this Cochrane review, researchers at the Child and Adolescent Care Centre, in Chennai, India, assessed the effects. Continue reading Ayurvedic treatments for diabetes mellitus
Enriched skim milk powder to prevent gout flares
Laboratory studies have identified two dairy fractions, glycomacropeptide (GMP) and G600 milk fat extract (G600), with anti-inflammatory effects in models of acute gout.
Researchers at the University of Auckland, in New Zealand, tested the concept in humans. Continue reading Enriched skim milk powder to prevent gout flares
Treatments for dry mouth
Xerostomia (the feeling of dry mouth) is common especially in older adults. Causes include medications, autoimmune disease (Sjögren’s Syndrome), radiotherapy or chemotherapy for cancer, hormone disorders, and infections.
This Cochrane review evaluated the evidence for topical treatments to reduce symptoms. Continue reading Treatments for dry mouth
New vitamin D recommendations for menopausal women
Here’s the new European Menopause and Andropause Society (EMAS) position statement on the role of vitamin D after menopause. Continue reading New vitamin D recommendations for menopausal women
Absorbability of arsenic and lead in traditional Ayurvedic medicines
Researchers at the Royal Military College of Canada, tested 42 medicines. Continue reading Absorbability of arsenic and lead in traditional Ayurvedic medicines
Vitamin D and high blood sugar levels in the elderly
Researchers at the University College London, in the UK, investigated the association between vitamin D levels and hyperglycemia in older people. Continue reading Vitamin D and high blood sugar levels in the elderly
Review: Qigong in patients with cancer
Qigong is often used by cancer patients to help manage their symptoms.
Researchers at The University of Hong Kong, in China, evaluated the effectiveness of qigong exercise in cancer care. Continue reading Review: Qigong in patients with cancer
Spinal manipulation for chronic low back pain
Here are the findings of a Cochrane review. Continue reading Spinal manipulation for chronic low back pain
Exergaming for older adults
At first, I was skeptical, but research suggests there are benefits.
Researchers at Skidmore College, at Saratoga Springs, New York, studied the effects of stationary cycling virtual reality tours (“cybercycle”) on executive function and clinical status. Continue reading Exergaming for older adults
Benefits in type 2 diabetes of eating fatty fish
Dietary advice is the basis of treatment of diabetes, but there’s uncertainty about the effects of polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Researchers at Uppsala University, in Sweden, compared the effects of diets rich in omega-3 or omega-6 fatty acids on glucose and lipoprotein metabolism in these patients. Continue reading Benefits in type 2 diabetes of eating fatty fish
CAM use among people with migraine
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, in Boston, Massachusetts, report patterns and reasons for its use.
It’s not what you think. Continue reading CAM use among people with migraine
Reassessing fried foods and heart disease risk
Researchers in Spain assessed the association between eating fried foods and the risk of coronary heart disease. Continue reading Reassessing fried foods and heart disease risk
Pomegranate seed oil and menopausal symptoms
Researchers at the Medical University of Vienna reported disappointing results. Continue reading Pomegranate seed oil and menopausal symptoms
Potential for berberine to cause drug interactions
Berberine is used to treat gastrointestinal infections, diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol. Many studies report interactions between berberine-containing products and cytochrome P450, but little is known about whether berberine alters CYP activities in humans.
Researchers at the Xiang Ya School of Medicine, in the People’s Republic of China, studied the effects of berberine on a series of drugs and P450 enzymes after repeated dosing. Continue reading Potential for berberine to cause drug interactions
Blood pressure effects of low- and high-salt diets
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n this Cochrane review, researchers at Copenhagen University Hospital, in Denmark, estimated the effects of low-sodium vs. high-sodium intake on blood pressure (BP), renin, aldosterone, catecholamines, and lipids. Continue reading Blood pressure effects of low- and high-salt diets
Effect of eating frequency on adiposity
Researchers at the University of California, in Berkeley, studied girls, 9 to 20 years old. Continue reading Effect of eating frequency on adiposity
Contributions of physical activity to ADHD care
Researchers at the Universite de Montreal, in Quebec, explored the effects of physical activity programs on fitness, cognitive function, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)-related behavior in children with ADHD. Continue reading Contributions of physical activity to ADHD care