Peer-Reviewed Articles
With the growing popularity of red yeast rice (RYR) as a lipid-lowering agent, it is important to ensure that this dietary supplement is safe and effective. The objective of this review was to provide current evidence-based guidance on the use of RYR. PubMed was searched for RYR studies published 2009–2011. The review confirmed that RYR is safe and efficacious for dyslipidemia and has other potential cardioprotective applications.
The incidence of colorectal cancer is highest in Western populations. It is thought that the reason for this is largely modifiable lifestyle factors. Primary care practitioners are uniquely positioned to influence the habits of their patients. Screening and early diagnosis have profound effects on the prognosis of individuals with colorectal cancer, and recognizing those at high risk may save lives through early detection. In addition, many evidence-based nutritional interventions exist that may reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer in those at high risk.
Long-term use of oral contraceptives (OCs) and of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) have been linked to increased blood coagulation, with its increased risk of cardiovascular problems. Their long-term use also has been linked to altered immune and inflammatory factors, suggesting an increased risk of chronic immune disorders with an inflammatory component, including cancer. This report reviews these various risks.
Diminished ovarian reserve, a natural process by which the follicular pool diminishes with time, is often clinically asymptomatic but presents a challenge to those wanting to become pregnant. Although pelvic ultrasonography and day 3 serum hormone testing have long been common methods of assessing ovarian reserve, there is promising research to suggest the utility of anti-Mullerian hormone testing to identify patients with diminished ovarian reserve.
A low-protein diet can be beneficial to a patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD), but the source of that protein is important as well. Many clinicians assume that a vegan diet is superior for kidney patients, but this may not be the case.
More than 50 years has passed since the hypothesis of thermography in breast imaging was proposed. During this time, thermography has gone from a legitimate, promising technology to one relegated to the shadows outside conventional medicine. While thermography is not well evidenced for use as a screening tool, its use as an adjunctive imaging procedure alongside mammography should be considered, particularly for those with dense breast tissue. However, validation of protocols, equipment, and analytical techniques is needed in the context of large, randomized trials before its use can be considered truly evidence-based.
Anxiety disorders are among the most common primary care challenges in a women's health practice. A comprehensive approach includes identifying the symptoms, characterizing the disorder, and evaluating whether the patient has a medical condition such as hyperthyroid, substance abuse, supraventricular tachycardia, or asthma that manifests as anxiety.
Bitter melon has many historical and theoretical uses, ranging from an abortifacient to a hemorrhoid treatment. It also has a long history of use as a hypoglycemic agent. Its hypoglycemic effects have been explored to the greatest extent and have aided in our understanding of its pharmacology and mechanism of action, leading to several studies looking at bitter melon as a hypoglycemic agent in type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Celery extract has been shown in animal studies to help prevent stroke, improve blood flow, and act to protect the brain and enhance energy production.
