Abstracts & Commmentary
Adding L-Citrulline Increases Plasma L-Arginine in Men
08-02-2017 Clinical trials have shown L-arginine supplementation has health benefits for men, including improved sports performance and erectile function. A new study suggests we can boost effects of supplementation by adding a second amino acid.
Autism Symptoms Alleviated with Fecal Microbiota Transplantation
08-02-2017 With mounting research suggesting benefits of fecal transplantation for children with autism, it’s important that practitioners have the knowledge to guide concerned parents.
Probiotics Improve Depression in IBS Sufferers
08-02-2017 Placebo-controlled study shows a daily dose of probiotics significantly improves depression in patients with irritable bowel syndrome, and hints at potential mechanisms of action.
Curcumin and Bone Density
08-02-2017 Go-to nutrients for improving bone density include calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, vitamin K, and omega-3 fatty acids. Should curcumin be added to that list?
Anthocyanins for Cardiovascular Health
08-02-2017 Good news: Anthocyanin supplements offer real, measurable benefits for cardiovascular health. But should we consider a more “whole”-istic approach?
Stress Hormones and Ovarian Cancer Prognosis
07-05-2017 Studies continue to show a link between stress and prognosis in women with ovarian cancer. Understanding the clinical implications of the connection is essential. How can natural medicine help?
How Inhaled Nanoparticles Contribute to Vascular Disease
07-05-2017 Exposure to airborne environmental nanoparticles is associated with cardiovascular disease. A new study sheds light on exactly how inhaled nanoparticles contribute to vascular inflammation.
Can Camping Reset Melatonin Production?
07-05-2017 Circadian rhythm disruption has negative effects on health and well-being. A novel, real-world study in human participants sheds light on natural solutions for rhythm modulation.
DASH Diet Helps Reduce Risk of Gout
07-05-2017 Most clinicians recommend a low-purine diet for patients with gout. A recent prospective study adds to mounting evidence that uric acid is only part of a larger problem, which should change our dietary recommendations.
Tailored Vitamin D Supplementation in Early Breast Cancer
07-05-2017 Because vitamin D sufficiency has been associated with improved mortality risk in women with breast cancer, vitamin D repletion should be an important goal. Should we rethink our traditional approach to supplementation?
Mediterranean Diet and Brain Shrinkage
06-07-2017 New study of older adults in Scotland supports the association between the Mediterranean diet and brain volume, suggesting adherence may prevent brain shrinkage.
Exercise for Glucose Control in Diabetes and Prediabetes
06-07-2017 Exercise increases insulin sensitivity, so it makes sense to recommend regular exercise for patients who are insulin-resistant. An encouraging new study compares 2 forms of exercise in patients with diabetes and prediabetes. The results support this recommendation: Just do it.
Passive Exposure to Flame-retardant Chemicals in Preschool Children
06-07-2017 Young children are naturally exposed to flame retardants through sources such as mattresses, pillows, strollers, and car seats, but we don’t know how or if exposure affects their health or behavior. Results from an observational study may motivate clinicians to address exposures in their patients.
Soy and Breast Cancer
06-07-2017 In the past, clinicians have discouraged women with a history of breast cancer from consuming soy products, based on what we now know is misleading evidence. Add this recent epidemiological study to mounting evidence that soy is safe and may even reduce mortality for some women.
Vitamin D Deficiency in Metastatic Melanoma
06-07-2017 Many naturopathic clinicians encourage their melanoma patients to avoid sun exposure and supplement with vitamin D. Results from a recent study support these recommendations.
Coffee and Hypertension
05-03-2017 Some of us get “the jitters” when we drink too much coffee, so we intuitively expect the relationship between coffee consumption and blood pressure to be positively linear. Results from a recent study say otherwise.
Effects of Forest Bathing on Elderly COPD Patients
05-03-2017 Exciting results from a novel study investigating the effects of Shinrin-yoku in patients with respiratory disease elevate the potential clinical applications of forest bathing—but also raise more questions.
Natural Treatments for Anxiety and Depression
05-03-2017 Prescription antidepressants are only marginally effective for mild to moderate depression, and anxiolytic medications, though effective in the short term, have a number of potential adverse effects. An encouraging study found a holistic, naturopathic approach significantly reduced symptoms of both anxiety and depression in its patient population.
Beneficial Microbe Repairs and Protects Against Aspirin-Induced Injury
05-03-2017 Although low-dose aspirin (LDA) reduces cardiovascular risk and may even help prevent certain cancers, it can wreak havoc on the stomach and small bowel. Could adding lactobacillus-rich yogurt to the diet help protect the gut lining from LDA damage?
Are Cancer Survivorship Care Plans Doing More Harm Than Good?
05-03-2017 Survivorship Care Plans are intended to facilitate efficient continuity of care and to provide cancer survivors with a resource to address treatment-related symptoms and risk reduction. But a recent study shows they may be causing undue anxiety instead.