According to this study, each 100 gram increase in fruit consumption is associated with a reduction of 300 grams of body weight after 6 months. Continue reading The contribution of fruit and veggies to weight loss
Vitamin B12 for the treatment of fatigue
 In the absence of a vitamin B12 deficiency, does it make sense to use it to treat fatigue?
Writing in Medscape, Dr. Julie Sease from the South Carolina College of Pharmacy in Columbia reviewed the evidence. Continue reading Vitamin B12 for the treatment of fatigue
Leisure activity and nonalcoholic fatty liver
 Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a fatty inflammation of the liver that is not due to excessive alcohol use. Surprisingly, it is found in nearly one-third of urban dwelling American adults, according to 1 study.
Researchers from the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center in Israel studied the relationship between leisure-time physical activity and NAFLD, which is often recommended as part of treatment. Continue reading Leisure activity and nonalcoholic fatty liver
Probiotics fail to prevent eczema or allergy
 Researchers from Singapore studied the effect of probiotic supplementation during the first 6 months of life on eczema and allergic sensitization in Asian infants at risk of allergic disease. Continue reading Probiotics fail to prevent eczema or allergy
Grain- vs grass-feed beef. Is there a difference?
 Nutridata says yes. Continue reading Grain- vs grass-feed beef. Is there a difference?
Soy and the risk of peanut allergy
Peanut allergy is associated with a severe food-related allergic reaction. It tends to present early in life, usually does not resolve; and trace quantities can induce an allergic reaction in highly sensitized people.
This study by researchers at the University of Melbourne in Australia looked at the relationship between soy consumption and peanut sensitization in children. Continue reading Soy and the risk of peanut allergy
Are chiropractors CAM practitioners?
They don’t thnk so. But what to call them is up in the air, according to this survey by researchers at the Cleveland Chiropractic College-Kansas City, Missouri. Continue reading Are chiropractors CAM practitioners?
More bad new for vitamins to prevent cancer
 January is turning out to be a bad month for vitamins and their purported anticancer effects.
Researchers from Harvard Medical School in Boston add to the negative results. Continue reading More bad new for vitamins to prevent cancer
Bad news for vitamin E and cancer prevention
 The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) reports 2 studies where vitamin E was not effective in preventing prostate cancer. Continue reading Bad news for vitamin E and cancer prevention
Cost-effectiveness of acupuncture for headache
Researchers from Berlin’s Charité University Medical Centre report it’s worth the cost. Continue reading Cost-effectiveness of acupuncture for headache
Treating perinatal depression with omega-3
Perinatal depression includes major and minor depressive episodes during pregnancy or within the first 12 months following delivery.
Researchers from Taiwan report that taking omega-3 fatty acids might be beneficial. Continue reading Treating perinatal depression with omega-3
Mime therapy for facial paralysis
Jan Bronk (a mime actor) and Pieter Devriese (an ear, nose, and throat doctor) developed mime therapy in the 1970s. It applies the principles of mime for patients suffering from a lack of facial movement or uncontrolled movements.
Does it work?
The coffee (caffeine)/breast cancer relationship
This study by researchers at Malmö University in Sweden suggests that the development of breast cancer might be delayed in women who drink more than 2 cups of coffee each day and have a certain form of the enzyme CYP1A2.
Before you drink more coffee, read on. Continue reading The coffee (caffeine)/breast cancer relationship
Should men take calcium supplements?
 Researchers from the University of Auckland in New Zealand tell us, “There is no consistent evidence… that calcium supplementation affects bone mineral density (BMD) in men, despite male osteoporosis being a common clinical problem.
Their study looks at the effect of 2 dosing regimens of calcium on BMD. Continue reading Should men take calcium supplements?
Drug-supplement interactions in perspective
Researchers from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota have reviewed the evidence and report that most interactions are confined to a relatively small number of drug classes and supplements. Continue reading Drug-supplement interactions in perspective
What not to take before surgery
OK, you’re scheduled for surgery, and you take herbals.
Does your surgeon know what you take?
Be smart. If you use any of the herbals on this list, tell your surgeon.
Consumer Alert: 40 more weight loss products
There are 80 drugs on the FDA list of weight loss products that contain undeclared drugs or chemicals.
Here’s the complete list, including 40 products added on January 8th. Continue reading Consumer Alert: 40 more weight loss products
Benefits of spa treatment in people with fibromyalgia
Researchers in The Netherlands report temporary improvement in quality of life. Continue reading Benefits of spa treatment in people with fibromyalgia
OARSI recommendations for treating osteoarthritis
The OsteoArthritis Research Society International (OARSI) is a nonprofit scientific professional organization that promotes research in osteoarthritis. Continue reading OARSI recommendations for treating osteoarthritis
Low-carbohydrate, ketogenic diet in diabetes
 Does a low carbohydrate, keotgenic diet result in improved diabetes control in overweight people with type 2 diabetes mellitus?
Researchers from Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina compared a low-carbohydrate, ketogenic diet to a low-glycemic, reduced-calorie diet. Continue reading Low-carbohydrate, ketogenic diet in diabetes