Researchers from Azad University, in Mashhad, Iran report that yoga reduced anxiety but not depression.
Here’s a summary of what they and others have found. Continue reading Yoga for depression and anxiety in women
Review of vitamin C supplementation on lipids
Dr. Marc McRae from the National University of Health Sciences in Lombard, Illinois reviewed the effect of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) supplementation on LDL (bad) and HDL (good) cholesterol, as well as triglycerides in patients with hypercholesterolemia. Continue reading Review of vitamin C supplementation on lipids
Biofeedback and gastrointestinal illness
A review of the literature by researchers from the University of Verona in Italy reveals that in the right patient, “For both incontinence and dyssynergic defecation, the benefits of biofeedback last at least 12 months.”
Dyssynergic defecation is one of the most common forms of functional constipation both in children and adults. Continue reading Biofeedback and gastrointestinal illness
Quality of life and well-being in HIV patients
Researchers from University of Zurich in Switzerland report that cognitive behavioral stress management (CBSM) improved both. Continue reading Quality of life and well-being in HIV patients
Probiotic treatment of allergic rhinitis
The Institute of Food Research in the UK reports that a milk drink containing Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS) might be useful. Continue reading Probiotic treatment of allergic rhinitis
Effect of your mattress on low back pain
Waterbed and foam mattress seem to have a small positive effect on back symptoms, according to researchers in Denmark. Continue reading Effect of your mattress on low back pain
The changing view of black cohosh and liver toxicity
 This is the third review in the past year that has come to the same conclusion.
This time, researchers from the Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, in Hanau, Germany evaluated the relationship between suspected liver toxicity in 9 patients treated with black cohosh (Actaea racemosa and Cimicifuga racemosa). Continue reading The changing view of black cohosh and liver toxicity
Contribution of liquid calories to weight control
 Increased drinking of liquid calories from beverages has paralleled the obesity epidemic in the US.
Researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, in Baltimore, Maryland examined how changes in beverage consumption affect weight change in adults. Continue reading Contribution of liquid calories to weight control
Impressive response to diet + exercise in hypertension
Cardiologists have been telling patients for years to lose weight.
The extent to which weight loss and exercise augment the cardiovascular benefits of the DASH diet was impressive in this study presented during the American College of Cardiology 2009 Scientific Sessions. Continue reading Impressive response to diet + exercise in hypertension
Weight lose and the response to psoriasis treatment
 There’s evidence that obesity (among other factors) increases the risk for developing psoriasis.
But do obese psoriasis patients who lose weight respond better to pharmacologic treatment? Continue reading Weight lose and the response to psoriasis treatment
Ephedra and caffeine in athletes
The results of this study do not support the contention these supplements enhance either muscle strength or anaerobic exercise performance.
But a reader disputes the validity of the results. Continue reading Ephedra and caffeine in athletes
A small study of acupuncture for rheumatoid arthritis
 Considering the negative conclusions other in the past 2 years, what makes this study different? Continue reading A small study of acupuncture for rheumatoid arthritis
Should octogenarian women exercise?
 In this study, they didn’t increase muscle mass after a 3-month weight lifting program, report researchers from Ball State University, in Muncie, Indiana.
Review: Aquatic exercise for low back pain
 It appears to be beneficial, say researchers at the University of Jyväskylä, in Finland.
But the data are sparse. Continue reading Review: Aquatic exercise for low back pain
Benefits of massage for chronic neck pain
 Researchers from the University of Washington, in Seattle studied whether therapeutic massage is beneficial treatment for chronic neck pain. Continue reading Benefits of massage for chronic neck pain
Is it risky to take vitamin A every day?
Long-term use of supplements might increase the risk of lung cancer, especially if you’re a smoker, according to researchers from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Here are the results from the VITamins And Lifestyle (VITAL) Study. Continue reading Is it risky to take vitamin A every day?
March was colorectal cancer month
Here’s a summary of what has been covered on this site about CAM and colorectal cancer. Continue reading March was colorectal cancer month
Internet-based obesity prevention program
 Researchers from Baylor College of Medicine, in Houston, Texas studied whether an Internet-based program could help young girls at risk for obesity eat more fruit, juice, veggies, and water. Continue reading Internet-based obesity prevention program
Smoked medicinal cannabis for neuropathic pain in HIV
It was reportedly effective when used in addition to pain treatment in patients with medically refractory pain due to HIV.
But as Paul Harvey said, “Now, the rest of the story.” Continue reading Smoked medicinal cannabis for neuropathic pain in HIV
Diet and exercise to prevent weight gain in breast cancer
Patients with breast cancer on adjuvant chemotherapy can experience weight gain and concurrent loss of muscle mass.
Researchers at the University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston studied the feasibility and impact of home-based diet/exercise options. Continue reading Diet and exercise to prevent weight gain in breast cancer