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Alternative Health Blog (recent posts)

 

  • Cranberry for Prevention of Urinary Tract Infections

    A review published in American Family Physician (2004;70:2175-77) concluded that "cranberry appears to be a safe, herbal choice for UTI prophylaxis and has relatively good tolerability." More»

  • DHEA Useful in Metabolic Syndrome

    A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (2004;292:2243-2248) shows that DHEA may be useful in treating this syndrome. More»

  • Plant Sterols Can Help Lower Cholesterol

    Canadian researchers were interested in examining the effect of plant sterols in diabetics because these compounds have been shown to reduce total plasma cholesterol and LDL in other studies of patients with high and normal cholesterol who were both diabetic and nondiabetic. More»

  • Fish Oil, Beneficial for Crohn's Disease?

    A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of the effect of fish oil plus antioxidants compared with placebo was conducted in 62 patients with Crohn's disease. More»

  • Supplemental Vitamin C Can Lower Coronary Heart Disease Risk

    A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (December 2004;80(6):1508-1520) shows higher levels of vitamin C supplementation can lower the incidence of coronary heart disease. More»

  • Antioxidant Supplementation and Malnutrition in Children

    A study published in the May issue of the British Medical Journal evaluated the effects of supplementation with antioxidants (riboflavin, Vitamin E, Selenium, and NAC) in children age 1-4 who were at increased risk for developing kwashiorkor. More»

  • Gluten-Containing Foods, Infants, and Celiac Disease

    A study published in JAMA in May investigated the risk of Celiac disease autoimmunity and in particular examined the effect of timing of introduction of gluten had on risk of disease. More»

  • Lycopene and Exercise-Induced Asthma in Children

    A study was recently conducted in Israel at the Wingate Institute and measured the effects of lycopene, a potent antioxidant, on exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in adolescents. More»

  • Omega 3 Fatty Acids from Fish Oil for Cardiovascular Disease?

    The Emory University School of Medicine published a study in the May issue of Chest that tested the efficacy of marine omega 3 fatty acids against plant based omega 3 fatty acids. More»

  • High Dose Folic and Age Related Cognitive Decline

    The April issue of Archives of Neurology published a prospective study that examined the relationship between folic acid and Vitamin B12 and age related cognitive decline in elderly adults. More»

  • Calcium and Risk of Renal Stone Formation

    A study from the Mahidol University in Bangkok investigated the effect of calcium supplementation in a sub-population of men who do not consume high levels of oxalate foods. More»

  • N-Acetylcysteine Harmful Treatment for Acute, Severe Sepsis

    In a pilot study published in the May issue of Chest NAC was tested for efficacy at preventing microalbuminuria in patients with acute severe sepsis and associated multiple organ failure. More»

  • Glutamine for Critical Care Patients

    A review on the use of glutamine in critical care patients was published in the May issue of Critical Care Medicine. The review included trials that measured the effects of oral or intravenous (IV) glutamine on intestinal permeability. More»

  • Effect of Iron Supplementation in Children

    A review of RCT (randomized clinical trials) published in the April issue of Public Health and Nutrition investigated the effect of iron supplementation in children. More»

  • Physician Intervention Impacts Folic Acid Intake

    The University of Arkansas Medical School conducted a study that compared the effects of physician intervention and counseling about folic acid to counseling and a handout on the rate of supplementation of folic acid in women. More»

  • LCPUFAs and Neurological Development in Infants

    The study examined the benefits of early supplementation with long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids after 18 months of age in 475 children. More»

  • Vitamin C Increases Levels Found in Breast Milk

    In the present study, European (Zurich, Switzerland) and African (Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire) women were enrolled to evaluate the influence of Vitamin C supplementation on breast milk content. More»

  • Antioxidants May Prevent Cataracts

    Cataracts, in which protein within the eye degrades into a cloudy film, are a leading cause of vision loss. New research reports that antioxidants may prevent cataract formation. More»

  • Magnesium Affects Diabetes Risk in Children

    Childhood obesity, currently at epidemic proportions in the US, is a leading cause of pediatric type 2 diabetes. Now research reports that magnesium deficiency in obese children is associated with an increased risk of diabetes. More»

  • B Vitamin Overview

    What are the B-Vitamin Compounds, and where (in diet) are they found? More»

  • Diet Treats Cholesterol

    Previous research has shown that dietary strategies and statin drugs effectively lower cholesterol. Now, for the first time, a study compared these two approaches in the same participants, finding that a cholesterol-lowering diet is just as effective in treating high cholesterol as statin drugs. More»

  • Diet Prevents Disability in The Elderly

    Experts estimate that the number of disabled elderly will triple between 1985 and 2050. Now, for the first time, a study finds that eating a daily diet of dairy, fruits and vegetables can help prevent the onset of disability as you get older. More»

  • Calcium Prevents Osteoporosis During Preadolescence

    Previous short-term studies have found that calcium supplementation during childhood positively benefits bone mass. Now a long-term study reports that calcium supplementation increased the bone mass of prepubertal girls, helping protect against the risk of developing osteoporosis (a reduction in bone mineral density) later in life. More»

  • Vitamin Supplementation Improves Growth of Infants in HIV-Infected Mothers

    A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (April 2005;81(4):880-888) shows that vitamin supplementation during pregnancy and post-natally can be beneficial after birth. More»

  • Antioxidants Associated with Lower Inflammatory Markers

    Inflammation is associated with many chronic diseases, obesity, aging, and prolonged exercise. Now research reports that inflammatory markers (including C-reactive protein, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor) are lower in older individuals who take antioxidant supplements, regardless of exercise level. More»

  • Statin Lowers CoQ10 Levels

    Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a naturally occurring nutrient that boosts cellular energy production in the mitochondria, or the cell's energy powerhouse. Newer study has reported that the statin drug atorvastatin lowers CoQ10 levels in individuals with high cholesterol. More»

  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Cardiovascular Disease

    A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (March 2005;81(3):583-589) demonstrates that supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids can decrease markers related to cardiovascular disease (CVD). More»

  • Vitamin A and Iron Treatment for Delayed Puberty

    Previous studies have found that retinoic acid (an active form of vitamin A) stimulates growth hormone. Now, research reports that vitamin A and iron supplementation may be as effective as hormonal therapy for boys with delayed puberty. More»

  • Carotenoids Lower Prostate Cancer Risk

    The dietary carotenoids, lycopene, alpha-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein, and zeaxanthin are known for their antioxidant support. New research has studied these nutrients, in hopes that they would reduce the risk of prostate cancer in men. More»

  • Vitamin C May Prevent Premature Rupture of Membranes (PROM) in Pregnancy

    Researchers proposed that deficiency of Vitamin C can contribute to PROM and sought to examine whether supplementation could prevent this condition. More»

  • Probiotic Intake and Diarrhea

    Researchers at the Israel Medical School wanted to test the effects that probiotics have at preventing adult infectious diarrhea. More»

  • Soy Protein Affects Male Hormones

    Researchers attempted to discover the effect that soy protein has on the secretion of hormones in healthy men. More»

  • Trans Fatty Acid's Impact upon Vessel Walls

    Authors of a study published in the March issue of the Journal of Nutrition investigated the effects, if any, that trans fatty acids have on biochemical markers of inflammation. More»

  • Carnitine May Prevent Brain Aging

    DNA damage has been shown to play an important role in aging. Current research reports that L-carnitine supplementation may protect brain DNA from the damage that occurs with aging. More»

  • Green Tea Associated with Prostate Cancer

    Previous in vitro studies have found that green tea catechins, or EGCG (a major component of green tea catechins), prevent cancer. Now, an in vivo study reports that supplementation with green tea catechins (GTC) may reduce the risk of prostate cancer. More»

  • CLA May Prevent Liver Disease

    Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has been shown to control insulin resistance. Newer research reports that CLA supplementation may also reduce the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (a leading cause of liver damage). More»

  • Zinc and Iron Influence Mortality Rate

    A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (April 2005;81(4):787-791) outlines how certain minerals may impact mortality. More»

  • Lycopene Lowers Pancreatic Cancer Risk

    Previous studies have indicated that the carotenoid, lycopene, may reduce the risk of cancer and macular degeneration. Research now reports that lycopene lowers the risk factors associated with pancreatic cancer. More»

  • Study Finds Cancer Patients Exhibit Low Arginine Levels

    A recently published study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (May 2005;81(5):1142-1146) suggests that a deficiency of the amino acid, arginine, may be linked to cancer. More»

  • Vitamins C and E Are Deemed Safe

    A large body of research supports the safety of supplementation of vitamins C and E, concludes a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (April 2005;81(4):736-745). More»

  • Cosmetic Cleanser with Lavender Improves Mood and Relaxation

    A small study was published in the February issue of the International Journal of Neurology that observed the effects of cosmetic cleanser containing lavender on EEG and HR in eleven individuals. More»

  • Multivitamin, Iron, Folic Acid Decrease Incidence of Low Birth Weight

    A study published in the March issue of the Lancet investigated the effects of supplementation with iron and folic acid alone versus iron and folic acid combined with a micronutrient supplement containing the RDA of 15 vitamins and minerals. More»

  • Low Fat, High Fruit Diet Decreases Mortality from Disease

    A study published in the Journal of Nutrition in March researched the effects of low saturated fats and high fruits and vegetable intake on the mortality associated with cardiovascular disease and all other diseases combined. More»

  • Dairy Improves Zinc Status in Vegetarians

    A study published in the March issue of the Journal of Nutrition investigated the effects on zinc and iron metabolism after adding dairy to individuals who consume a plants only diet. More»

  • Vitamin C Prevents Allergies in Infants

    The study, published in the European Journal of Nutrition (2005, vol. 59, no.1), measured the effects of vitamin C and E intake on breast milk antioxidant composition and their potential against the development of allergies in infants with a family history of atopy (an allergic condition). More»

  • Low Levels of Zinc Impair Metabolism During Exercise

    USDA, ARS researchers recruited 14 men to participate in a double-blind cross-over feeding study to examine the effect of restricted zinc consumption on exertion during exercise. More»

  • Folate Lowers Prostate Cancer Risk

    The B-complex vitamin, folate (also called folic acid), is critical for DNA synthesis and methylation, which may be involved in the development of cancer. Now research reports that dietary folate may reduce the risk of prostate cancer. More»

  • Tomato Juice Prevents Diabetic Heart Problems

    The small, double-blind study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (2004, vol 292, issue 7), found that tomato juice supplementation significantly decreased platelet aggregation (the blood's ability to form vessel-clotting plaque) in diabetic patients. More»

  • B6 Lowers Colorectal Cancer Risk

    Plasma vitamin B6, or pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP), is critical for DNA synthesis and methylation, factors which may be involved in the development of cancer. Now, for the first time, research reports that supplementation with vitamin B6 may reduce the risk of colon cancer. More»

  • Vitamin E, Fat, Linked to Immune Response in Atherosclerosis

    British and Iranian researchers conducted an experiment to determine whether dietary factors, specifically fat and antioxidants, had any effect on these immune responses. More»

  • Olive Oil Reduces Breast Cancer Risk

    Previous research has suggested that olive oil may have heart-healthy benefits. Now research reports that oleic acid, the main fatty acid in olive oil, may protect against breast cancer. More»

  • Vitamin E Supplementation and Depression

    The study, published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2005, vol. 59, no. 2), investigated whether low levels of vitamin E in patients suffering major clinical depression were due to inadequate dietary intake or a result of the depression itself. More»

  • Magnesium Linked to Reduced Risk of Colon Cancer

    A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (January 5, 2005 293(1):86-89) showed that higher dietary intake of magnesium is associated with lower risk of colon cancer in women. More»

  • Can Stress Trigger Eating Disorders?

    According to a new study published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine stressful life events may trigger eating disorders. The likelihood is increased if an individual suffers from depression or other psychological disorders. The specific etiology or cause of an eating disorder cannot usually be linked to one factor but instead usually involves multiple factors. Stress or stressful life events has always been considered to be one of the primary factors involved in the development... More»

  • Chamomile Boosts Immunity and Eases Spasms

    Chamomile tea (Matricaria recutita L.), has been traditionally used for centuries to treat various ailments including indigestion and insomnia. Now research reports that supplementation with chamomile may boost immunity and ease spasms. More»

  • Green Tea Supplements Boost Antioxidant Activity

    Previous in vitro research has found that green and black tea polyphenols may prevent cancer and boost antioxidants. Current in vivo research reports that green tea extract supplements equally boost antioxidant activity and may provide additional benefits over drinking tea. More»

  • Kelp May Reduce Women's Cancer Risk

    Research reports that kelp seaweed (a common component of the Asian diet) may contribute to reduced rates of breast and other hormone-dependent cancers. More»

  • Red Yeast Rice Lowers Cholesterol

    Xuezhikang, an extract of cholestin available from Chinese red yeast rice, may have benefits similar to many statin drugs (statins reduce cholesterol and inflammation). Red yeast rice may lower cholesterol and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in individuals with stable angina. More»

  • Arginine Helps the Heart

    Previous research has found that the nonessential amino acid, arginine, may lower cholesterol and blood pressure. Now, research indicates that supplementation with arginine may also reduce the risk of heart disease. More»

  • Pycnogenol Lowers Glucose in Diabetics

    Pycnogenol, the extract of French Maritime pine bark, is a proanthocyanidin (PCO) flavonoid known for its potent antioxidant benefits. New findings report that pycnogenol may have glucose-lowering effects in diabetics. More»

  • Rice Bran Oil Lowers Cholesterol

    Previous research has suggested that rice bran, a co-product of milled rice, and its oil may have heart-healthy benefits. Now, research indicates that defatted rice bran oil may lower cholesterol in individuals with moderate, to moderately high cholesterol levels. More»

  • Simple Culinary Suggestions for Increasing Antioxidants in Foods

    The British Journal of Nutrition published a study in the February issue that tested the antioxidant potential of over 27 vegetables, 15 aromatic herbs, and some spices. More»

  • Increased Protein Intake Helps Maintain Weight

    A study published in the February edition of the British Journal of Nutrition examined the effects of higher protein intake on weight maintenance. More»

  • Dietary Nutrients and Age Related Changes in Lens Opacity

    A Tufts University research project examined the effect of dietary intake of vitamins and minerals on lens opacity in women age 52-74 years. More»

  • Low Carb Diet Improves Glycemic Control and Insulin Sensitivity in Type 2 Diabetics

    A recent study published in the March issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine sought to clearly define the effects of a low carb diet on body weight, body water, energy intake and expenditure, glycemic control, insulin sensitivity, and lipid levels. More»

  • Bifidobacteria Improves Symptoms of IBS

    A study published in the March issue of Gastroenterology investigated the effects of the probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium on patients with IBS. More»

  • Probiotics, Fiber, and Glutamine Decrease Diarrhea in HIV + Patients

    The Center for Functional Nutrition in Chicago published a study measuring the effects of supplementation with probiotics, fiber, and L-Glutamine on diarrhea in HIV positive patient who were taking HAART and had a history of chronic diarrhea. More»

  • Ginger for Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy?

    A report published in the April issue of Obstetrics and Gynecology evaluated the safety and effectiveness of ginger for relieving nausea and vomiting of pregnancy. More»

  • Lutein Prevents Adult Blindness

    Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), which gradually destroys central vision, is the most common cause of adult blindness. Research reports that supplementation with the yellow pigment lutein, may actually prevent ARMD. More»

  • Carotenoids Prevent Polyps From Returning

    A recent study, published in the International Journal of Cancer (2004, vol 112, issue 2), found that high intakes of carotenoids and vitamin A by nonsmokers and nondrinkers on a sensible diet, significantly reduced the risk of adenomatous polyp recurrence. More»

  • Folate Lowers High Blood Pressure in Women

    Previous research has found that the B-complex vitamin, folate (also called folic acid), may lower levels of homocysteine (a metabolite that can damage blood vessels) and improve blood flow. Now, research reports that supplementation with folate may lower the risk of high blood pressure in women. More»

  • Selenium May Reduce Colorectal Cancer Risk

    The study, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (2004, vol 96, issue 22), found that a high level of selenium in the blood is linked to a reduced risk of colorectal cancer. More»

  • Antioxidants Prevent Cancer In Men

    Previous research suggests that a low dietary intake of antioxidant vitamins and minerals may increase the risk of heart disease and cancer. Now, new research provides clear evidence that antioxidant supplementation may even prevent cancer in men. More»

  • Olive Oil Lowers Blood Pressure

    The large, cross-sectional study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2004, vol 80, issue 4), found that olive oil intake significantly lowered systolic and diastolic blood pressure. More»

  • Korean Red Ginseng and HIV

    A study involving HIV positive patients who have not taken conventional medications for the last 5 years was carried out to test the effects of Korean Red Ginseng on the number of CD4 cells in the body. More»

  • Phenol Rich Grain Enhances Treatment For Chronic Hepatitis C

    A study published in the April issue of Hepatogastroenterology completed at the University of Paris measured the effects of a phenol rich grain on liver enzymes, viral load, and antioxidant defense. More»

  • Ginkgo Biloba May Prove Beneficial for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

    A study from the University of Texas measured the antioxidant effects of Ginkgo for three months in a population of adults with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. More»

  • Folate and B12 Decrease Hip Fractures Following Stroke

    A preliminary study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (March 2, 2005 293(5):1082-1088) showed that supplementation with folate and Vitamin B12 can be beneficial in patients with stroke. More»

  • Does Genetic Makeup Influences Action of Green Tea?

    In a study published in the March issue of Carcinogenesis, researchers at USC measured the effect of green tea polyphenols on breast cancer and documented the relationship between antioxidants (like those found in green tea) and genetics. More»

  • Vitamin K Injections for Treating Painful Menses

    A study published in the Medscape Journal in March documented the effects of Vitamin K injection for treating painful menses. More»

  • Fish Oils for Acute Pancreatitis

    A study published in Clinical Nutrition researched the effects of enteral polyunsaturated fatty acids (fish oil) on patients with acute pancreatitis. More»

  • Protective Effect of Antioxidant and Minerals against Prostate Cancer

    Published in the March issue of the International Journal of Cancer, the report aims to determine the relationship between antioxidant and mineral supplementation and the risk factors associated with prostate cancer. More»

  • Compounds to Slow Parkinson Disease?

    Parkinson Disease is a debilitating neurological disorder for which there is not yet a cure. Researchers are hoping to find substances that significantly reduce the progression of the disease symptoms. Right now the main treatment is L-dopa supplementation, which can manage symptoms for day to day function, but does not prevent deterioration. However, a pilot study published in the medical journal, Neurology, in March of 2006 indicates that two substances, a synthetic antibiotic and a... More»

  • Raw Food Vegetarian Dieters Exhibit Lower Bone Mineral Density

    A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine measured the effects of a raw foods vegetarian diet on bone mineral density over a 3.6-year period. More»

  • Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation May Benefit Patients with Gastrectomy

    A study published in the British Journal of Surgery in March measured the effects of calcium and vitamin D supplementation on serum markers of bone turnover and actual bone mineral density in the lumbar spine and hip. More»

  • Ratio between Omega 6 to Omega 3 Fatty Acids Affects Bone Mineral Density

    A four year study examined the impact of omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids (both supplements and dietary sources) on bone mineral density. More»

  • Yogurt Promotes Weight Loss

    Recent research reports that high-calcium yogurt may help burn fat, promote weight loss, and trim the waistline. More»

  • Curcumin, Vegetables for Prostate Cancer

    Previous cell studies suggest that curcumin and phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) have anti-cancer effects. Curcumin (Curcuma longa) is a curry spice also known as turmeric and PEITC is. An in vivo study reports that curcumin and PEITC, a natural vegetable compound derived from cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage (alone or in combination), can help prevent and treat prostate cancer. More»

  • Antioxidants of Cocoa and Cardiovascular Disease

    A recent paper published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reviewed the antioxidant action of cocoa, and its potential benefit for cardiovascular disease prevention. More»

  • Fish Oil May Prevent Sudden Cardiac Death

    The placebo-controlled, double-blind study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2005, vol 81, issue 2), found that fish oil supplements may actually reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death. More»

  • Multivitamins Prevent Prematurity

    The study, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology (2004, vol 160, issue 9), found that multivitamin use prior to pregnancy can reduce the risk of delivering preterm. More»

  • Calcium Reduces Colorectal Cancer Risk

    Best known for keeping bones strong, calcium is the body's most abundant mineral. Calcium is now also being studied for its role in colon cancer prevention. More»

  • Folate Associated with Decreased Risk of Hypertension

    A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (January 19, 2005293(3):320-329) examined the relationship between folate intake and one's risk for developing hypertension. More»

  • Study Does Not Show Benefit of Vitamin E against Retinoid Toxicity

    The International Journal of Dermatology published a study in March 2005 that attempted to demonstrate the protective effects of Vitamin E on retinoid toxicity. More»

  • Specific Nutrients Improve Visual Function in Early Age Related Macular Degeneration

    A study published in the May issue of Opthalmologica tested the efficacy of a combination treatment for ARMD. More»

  • Incidence of Hypertension Decreases with Multivitamin Use in HIV + Women

    A study published in the July issue of the Journal of Nutrition measured the effect a multivitamin supplement had on high blood pressure in HIV+ women. More»

  • Study Finds Fibromyalgia Not Responsive To DHEA Therapy

    The Journal of Rheumatology published a study in its July issue that examined the effect that dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) has on symptoms of fibromyalgia. More»

  • Essential Fatty Acid Intake Reduces Risk of Community Acquired Pneumonia

    A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition conducted by Harvard Medical School examined the relationship between essential fatty acid intake and incidence of community-acquired pneumonia in men. More»

  • Zinc Salts Improve Symptoms of Acne and Decrease Bacterial Resistance

    A study published in the European Journal of Dermatology in May investigated the effects of zinc gluconate both in patients with active acne and in the lab against more than 40 common strains of bacteria associated with acne. More»