Abstracts & Commmentary
Raisins Improve Glycemic Control
07-01-2015 Raisins are fruit, but they’re also about 79% carbohydrate by weight. Yet, according to this study, participants who consumed raisins had a significant 23% reduction in postprandial glucose levels as compared to those who consumed a 100-calorie “snack pack.”
The Bleach Paradox
07-01-2015 Even though bleach is a broad-spectrum disinfectant, its use is associated with greater risk of infections in children according to this study of children in Spain, the Netherlands, and Finland. The findings underline the important of using nontoxic alternatives to bleach for household cleaning.
Glucose Metabolism, Satiety, and the Paleo Diet
07-01-2015 This randomized cross-over trial of 24 healthy men suggests possible benefits of the Paleo diet, but it raises more questions than it answers.
Crocin and Major Depressive Disorder
07-01-2015 In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study, researchers found that adding crocin (a constituent of saffron) to a patient’s selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor dosage led to greatly improved scores on several depression indices.
Blueberries vs Hypertension
06-03-2015 Blueberries may deserve a place on the list of “heart-healthy foods,” according to this randomized controlled trial. Study participants showed remarkable decreases in blood pressure after the daily addition of freeze-dried blueberry powder to their diet.
N-acetyl-cysteine to Treat Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome?
06-03-2015 Research into natural treatments for PCOS has been rare, but according to this literature review, supplementation with the nutrient N-acetyl-cysteine may alleviate many symptoms of PCOS and address factors that contribute to infertility.
Effectiveness of Acupuncture in Osteoarthritis
06-03-2015 This systematic review and meta-analysis reaffirms what many integrative healthcare professionals already know—that our patients may benefit greatly from the noninvasive, accessible therapy of acupuncture.
Male Infertility and the Seminal Fluid Microbiota
06-03-2015 According to this preliminary study, the bacterial communities found in semen have significant impact on male fertility. Will the future of treating male infertility revolve around a simple dose of Lactobacillus?
Can Eating Certain Fruits Lower the Risk of Diabetes?
05-27-2015 In this prospective longitudinal cohort study, investigators studied data from healthcare professionals to understand the impact of fruit consumption on the risk of patients developing type 2 diabetes. They found that greater consumption of specific whole fruits—particularly blueberries, grapes, and apples—is significantly associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, but greater consumption of fruit juice is associated with a higher risk.
Heart-health Benefits of Peanuts
05-06-2015 The humble peanut gets its due as a heart-healthy food, thanks to this study in which peanuts were shown to offer the same cardiovascular benefit as tree nuts. With the rising costs of tree-nut cultivation making them more expensive, practitioners can recommend peanut consumption for patients needing heart-healthy and affordable food choices.
Curcumin for Periodontitis?
05-06-2015 In a recent randomized, controlled clinical trial, curcumin showed promise in treating periodontitis, a dental disease that is becoming more common as our patient population ages.
Salacia oblonga and Heart Disease
05-06-2015 Used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to treat diabetes, Salacia oblonga is now getting attention in the west. A recent study found it reduced the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with chronic kidney failure.
Is the Solution to Peanut Allergy Early Exposure to Peanuts?
04-13-2015 Is early exposure to peanuts the solution to the peanut allergies that are so prevalent in children today? According to this randomized controlled trial, peanut allergy in infants was drastically decreased by the early introduction of small amounts of peanuts into the diet. These results have the potential to upend all current thinking on the treatment of allergies.
Vitamin C Aids Recovery From Cardiac Surgery
04-01-2015 Vitamin C was shown in a recent study to have a profound effect on recovery from cardiac surgery, potentially offering a low-cost, safe way to improve outcomes.
Essential Fatty Acids and Antioxidants Benefit Women With Female Pattern Hair Loss
04-01-2015 A new study using essential fatty acids and antioxidants in women with female pattern hair loss found that these nutrients increased hair density and improved hair growth.
Can Laughter Therapy Reduce Radiation Dermatitis?
04-01-2015 According to this small study, laughter therapy alleviated symptoms of radiation dermatitis in breast-cancer patients, but in statistically nonsignificant ways. Should practitioners encourage laughter as therapy before larger clinical trials are performed?
Can Chondroitin and Glucosamine Rival Cox-2 Inhibitors for Osteoarthritis?
04-01-2015 Surprising results of a European trial suggest a combination of chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride offers better pain relief for knee osteoarthritis than celecoxib.
Plant a Tree, Ditch the Antidepressants?
04-01-2015 Greater density of trees in London neighborhoods had an inversion association with the use of antidepressant medication among residents in a recent cross-sectional analysis.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil Reduces Atrial Fibrillation Risk
03-04-2015 A recent study using data from the Prevención con Dieta Mediterránea (PREDIMED) Trial found that people who consumed more extra virgin olive oil had fewer incidents of atrial fibrillation than those who consumed less.
High Isoflavone Intake May Increase Breast Cancer Growth
03-04-2015 Add another recent study on the effect of soy isoflavones on breast-cancer patients to the debate over whether soy intake is dangerous for this population. Here's an analysis of the study and guidance on how to talk about soy with patients as the debate rages on.