Abstracts & Commmentary
Eating Organic Food Reduces Cancer Risk
02-06-2019 In a large prospective study, participants who ate an organic diet had a reduced overall risk of cancer, with reductions in several specific cancer types. However, some of the findings conflict with results from a previous, larger study.
Curcumin for Cognitive Function in Aging Adults
02-06-2019 Since the 1990s we have suspected that curcumin protects against dementia, but results of actual trials have been mixed. Exciting results from a recent randomized trial using an enhanced form of curcumin give credence to what we suspected all along.
Probiotic Selection for Acute Pediatric Diarrhea
02-06-2019 A comparison of 2 probiotic supplements in children with acute diarrhea reveals a clear favorite and supports the use of probiotics as adjunct treatment for diarrheal illness.
Processed Foods Increase Risk of Cancer
12-05-2018 We know that global consumption of processed foods is rising. A population-based study assessed potential health impacts of this dietary trend, specifically on cancer risk, with alarming results.
Benefits of Ecotherapy for Survivors of Domestic Violence
12-05-2018 Domestic violence can cause health problems that persist even after the threat of acute trauma has ended. Project CarryOn provides a nature-based holistic approach to promote mental, physical, and emotional health in survivors of domestic violence, that, according to a recent study, has measurable benefits.
Fish Oil for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention
12-05-2018 Since the early 1970s clinicians have recommended omega-3 fatty acids for cardiovascular health. Conclusions from a Cochrane Review challenge decades of nutrition advice.
Suicide Rates Rise as Temperatures Climb
11-07-2018 Novel study correlates depressive tweets, suicide rates, and ambient temperatures in the United States and Mexico. Could climate change be affecting our mental health?
Probiotics May Not Be for Everyone
11-07-2018 Until very recently, the condition called D-lactic acidosis was considered rare among humans. Current research suggests it may be more common than we think–and the suspected culprit may surprise you.
Fennel for Postmenopausal Sexual Dysfunction
11-07-2018 A randomized controlled trial compared a phytoestrogen cream to placebo for treatment of postmenopausal sexual dysfunction. Both groups benefited, but why?
Green Tea and Breast Density in At-Risk Postmenopausal Women
10-24-2018 Certain women with high breast density who are at risk for breast cancer may benefit from daily consumption of green tea extract.
Does Complementary Medicine Increase Risk of Death for Cancer Patients?
10-24-2018 The recent JAMA Oncology study on the risks of using complementary medicine after a cancer diagnosis provided sensational headlines—but did it provide any legitimate conclusions about the place of integrative medicine in cancer care?
Fish Oil Supplementation in Adults With Hematological Malignancies
10-24-2018 In a recent controlled trial, 9 weeks of fish oil supplementation improved survival and reduced markers of inflammation in patients with blood cancers.
A Role for Protein Intake Before Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation
10-24-2018 Muscle wasting and loss of muscle strength are common in the posttransplant period. In an encouraging study, consumption of a whey-soy blend in addition to a nutritional diet had positive effects on serum protein levels, muscle mass, and muscle strength in posttransplant patients.
Expectations and Placebo Effect in Allergic Rhinitis
10-03-2018 Study finds that placebo can improve symptoms of allergic rhinitis, while positive expectations can have beneficial effects on subjective well-being.
Natural Eggshell Membrane Improves Post-Exercise Pain and Stiffness
10-03-2018 In a recent clinical trial eggshell membrane (ESM) significantly improved exercise-related joint pain and stiffness, supporting reports that ESM has chondroprotective effects and underscoring its clinical potential for patients with inflammatory joint disease.
Anti-Müllerian Hormone in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
10-03-2018 Prior research has shown that anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is elevated in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. A fascinating study discovers that AMH levels remain elevated during pregnancy and provides evidence of effects on fetal development.
Early to Supper and Late to Bed May Lower Cancer Risk
10-03-2018 Benjamin Franklin famously said, “Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” According to a new study on circadian rhythms and cancer risk, early to supper may be better health advice (the study does not address wealth and wisdom).
Intravenous Application of Mistletoe Extract
09-05-2018 Mistletoe extract is a widely used natural cancer therapy, typically as an adjunct to conventional therapy, but evidence suggests its benefits and safety vary according to route of administration. A phase I study set out to answer questions about the safety and tolerability of intravenously administered mistletoe.
Fructose Consumption Linked to Asthma
09-05-2018 The Framingham Heart Study has collected data from thousands of participants since its inception in 1948, generating a vast amount of data. A recent study used data from a subset of participants to analyze associations between fructose-containing drinks and incidence of asthma. The results give practitioners even more reason to discourage consumption of beverages such as soda and apple juice.
Greening Vacant Lots as a Cost-Effective Mental Health Intervention in Underserved Populations
09-05-2018 Turning empty urban lots into green spaces appears to improve nearby residents’ psychological wellbeing, according to a recent study. The depression-alleviating effects are even greater among those below the poverty line.