Natural Standard Blog

Vitamin C for the Common Cold: How Effective is it?

For the average, healthy person, vitamin C is unlikely to prevent the common cold. However, it may be beneficial in individuals who engage in extreme physical exercise or are exposed to cold temperatures, a new review reports.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a water-soluble vitamin that is necessary in the body to form collagen in bones, cartilage, muscle and blood vessels. It also aids in the absorption of iron. Dietary sources of vitamin C include fruits and vegetables, particularly citrus fruits such as oranges.

Researchers reviewed the results of 30 published studies involving 11,350 people who took at least 200 milligrams of vitamin C every day. The results were published in the latest edition of the The Cochrane Library.

Based on the collective data from these studies, routine consumption of vitamin C did not reduce the risk of the common cold in the general population. Although there was a slight reduction in the severity and duration of common cold symptoms in patients who took vitamin C regularly when compared to placebo, the results were not considered significant.

However, vitamin C may help prevents colds in a subgroup of individuals. In six trials that involved a total of 642 marathon runners, skiers and soldiers on sub-arctic exercises, vitamin C supplements reduced the incidence of the common cold by nearly 50 percent.

The review authors concluded that the failure of vitamin C supplementation to reduce the incidence of colds in the normal population indicates that routine preventative treatment is not rationally justified for community use. However, evidence suggests that it could be justified in people exposed to brief periods of severe physical exercise or cold environments.

Many other uses for vitamin C have been proposed, but few have been conclusively demonstrated as being beneficial in scientific studies. In particular, research in asthma, cancer and diabetes remain inconclusive, and no benefits have been found in the prevention of cataracts or heart disease.

Integrative therapies with strong or good scientific evidence in the prevention and/or treatment of the common cold include andrographis paniculata Nees, Kan Jang®, borage seed oil and sage. For more information about vitamin C, please visit Natural Standard's Herbs & Supplements database.

Arnica vs. Steroids for Post-Nose Job Bruising and Swelling

Arnica, a perennial from the sunflower family, may be reduce swelling and bruising associated with nose jobs (rhonoplasty)  equally as well as corticosteroids, according to the results of a new study.

Researchers from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio compared both treatments in a group of 48 patients who received rhinoplasty. The patients were randomly divided into three groups. The first group received 10 milligrams of a corticosteroid called dexamethasone during the operation. Patients then received tapered doses of steroid called methyl-prednisone for six days. The second group received arnica for three times a day for four days after the surgery. The third group served as the experimental control and did not receive any medications to reduce bruising and swelling. Three blinded panelists rated the extent of bruising, the intensity of the bruising and the severity of the swelling.

On the second day after surgery, researchers did not notice any significant differences in extent and intensity of bruising among the groups. However, patients in the control group experienced significantly more swelling than patients in the other two groups.

On the eighth day after surgery, the patients who received steroids demonstrated a significantly larger extent of bruising and higher intensity of bruising compared to patients in both the arnica and control groups. On the same day, there were no differences in the amount of swelling among the three groups.

The study authors concluded that both arnica and corticosteroids effectively reduce swelling during the early postoperative period. Arnica does not appear to improve the extent or intensity of bruising after surgery. The delay in resolution of bruising for patients receiving corticosteroids may outweigh the benefit of reducing swelling during the early postoperative period.

Homeopathic and topical arnica is widely used to prevent or treat hemorrhages, hematomas and bruising. Today, arnica is commonly used as a flavoring agent in beverages, frozen dairy desserts, candy, baked goods, gelatins and puddings. In manufacturing, it is used in hair tonics, anti-dandruff preparations, perfumes and other cosmetic agents.

For more information about integrative therapies that have anti-inflammatory properties, please visit Natural Standard’s Comparative Efficacy database.

 

Iron Supplementation in Pregnancy

Iron supplementation during pregnancy should only be considered anemic women or women with low iron/low red blood cell counts, a new study reports.

Researchers from Tarbiat Modarres University in Iran studied the effect of iron supplementation on pregnancy outcome in pregnant women without anemia.

In the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 727 pregnant women without anemia in the early stage of the second trimester were given one tablet of 50 milligrams of ferrous sulphate daily in the case group (370 women) or placebo in the control group (357 women) throughout pregnancy.

The study found no significant differences in demographic and obstetric characteristics between the two groups before any intervention. However, small-for-gestational-age birth rate and the number of women with hypertension (high blood pressure) disorder increased significantly in the case group in comparison with the control group.

The study authors concluded that routine iron supplementation in women with normal red blood cell counts is not rational and may be harmful.

Iron is an essential mineral and an important component of proteins involved in oxygen transport and metabolism. Iron is also an essential cofactor in the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. About 15 percent of the body's iron is stored for future needs and mobilized when dietary intake is inadequate. The body usually maintains normal iron status by controlling the amount of iron absorbed from food. Symptoms of anemia include weakness, fatigue, lack of energy and dizziness.

There are two forms of dietary iron: heme and non-heme. Sources of heme iron include meat, fish and poultry. Sources of non-heme iron, which is not absorbed as well as heme iron, include beans, lentils, flours, cereals and grain products. Other sources of iron include dried fruit, peas, asparagus, leafy greens, strawberries and nuts.

Iron deficiency can be determined by measurement of iron levels within the body, mainly serum ferritin levels, which can also help distinguish between iron deficiency anemia and anemia associated with chronic disease.

Previous studies have shown that iron supplements may help prevent iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women. Anemia in pregnant women is associated with adverse outcomes such as low birth weight, premature birth and maternal mortality. Screening by a qualified healthcare provider is needed. Low doses are generally well tolerated and associated with better compliance.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should seek guidance from a qualified healthcare provider before taking dietary supplements. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given iron a FDA Pregnancy Category B rating, meaning it is usually safe but benefits must outweigh the risks. Iron has also received a FDA Pregnancy Category C rating, meaning that safety for use during pregnancy has not been established for replenishing depleted iron stores in the bone marrow where it is incorporated into hemoglobin.

For more information on iron, please visit Natural Standard’s Herbs & Supplements database.

Chemoimmunotherapy for Gastric Cancer

Chemoimmunotherapy, or chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy, may help treat gastric cancer, a new study suggests.

Chemotherapy uses different drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. Immunotherapy uses treatments to stimulate or restore the ability of the immune system to fight cancer. Please note that some of the complex medical terms below are difficult to translate from professional language to consumer language and may be difficult to understand. Since many oncology patients use CAM therapies, such as vitamin A and probiotics, for stimulating the immune system, another form of immunotherapy is discussed here. In the study discussed below, the chemoimmunotherapy includes mostly drugs. 

Researchers from the Carlo Ferri Foundation and University of L'Aquila in Italy explained that the chemotherapy drugs docetaxel, capecitabine and 5-fluorouracil in combination with immunotherapy drugs (interleukin-2 and 13-cis-retinoic acid) have been shown to be effective in the treatment of metastatic (spreading) gastric cancer.

The study involved 41 patients with metastatic gastric cancer. All study participants received one dose of docetaxel every four weeks. They also received leucovorin, 5-fluorouracil bolus and capecitabine twice daily on days one and two every two weeks.

The 27 patients in the experimental group also received low-doses of interleukin-2 and 13-cis-retinoic acid as maintenance immunotherapy. Cis-retinoic acid is an anti-cancer drug that is derived from vitamin A.

The researchers found a sustained improvement in the 27 patients treated with chemoimmunotherapy. This therapy was well tolerated and showed significant activity in patients with metastatic gastric cancer.

As mentioned above, cancer immunotherapy helps stimulate the immune system to fight against cancerous cells in the body. In addition to interleukins and cis-retinoic acid, immunotherapy may also involve the administration of therapeutic interferons as drugs. Interferon medication is a man-made version of a protein that is involved in the immune system. The body produces interferons to help fight against disease and infection. These proteins stimulate immune cells to destroy body cells that have become infected with cancer.

Cancer vaccines are also being invested in human trials. Cancer vaccines are given to patients after they have been treated for various cancers including melanoma, lymphoma, breast cancer, and colon cancer. Vaccinations may help the body fight against cancerous cells and prevent it from recurring.
 
Integrative therapies with strong or good scientific evidence in the treatment of gastric cancer include vitamin A, probiotics, psychotherapy and selenium.  Further research is needed before any of these therapies can be recommended and advice of a medical oncologist and pharmacist is crucial before using any therapy in addition to those prescribed. 

For more information on integrative gastric cancer therapies, please visit Natural Standard’s Comparative Effectiveness database.

Rapid Relaxation Therapy for Dental-Related Anxiety

Rapid relaxation (RR), a type of relaxation that involves a brief set of suggestion while applying a pain reliever to the skin, may reduce anxiety during local anesthesia and subsequent dental treatment, a new study reports.

Researchers from Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, Canada explained that RR is recommended for managing mild dental anxiety, which is almost universal. RR combines elements of hypnosis, meditation and good basic chair-side manner.

The study found that RR is generally noninvasive, takes little additional time and empowers patients by providing them with an attractive, immediate alternative to catastrophization. Catastrophization is a cognitive distortion that can magnify pain and suffering because of the preoccupation with the experience.

The study found that RR markedly improves the quality of the dental experience.

Other relaxation techniques include behavioral therapeutic approaches that differ widely in philosophy, methodology and practice. The primary goal is usually non-directed relaxation. Most techniques share the components of repetitive focus (on a word, sound, prayer phrase, body sensation or muscular activity), adoption of a passive attitude towards intruding thoughts and return to the focus.

Deep and brief methods exist. Deep methods include autogenic training, progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) and meditation (although meditation is sometimes distinguished from relaxation based on the state of "thoughtless awareness" that is said to occur during meditation). Brief methods include self-control relaxation, paced respiration and deep breathing. Other relaxation techniques include guided imagery, deep breathing/breathing control, passive muscle relaxation and refocusing. Applied relaxation involves imagination of relaxing situations, with the intention of inducing muscular and mental relaxation.

Clinical studies suggest that relaxation techniques may be beneficial in patients with anxiety, although these approaches do not appear to be as effective as psychotherapy. Relaxation has also been suggested in patients after surgery to speed up recovery, require less pain medication, lower blood pressure and reduce postoperative complications. Relaxation techniques are sometimes used by people with insomnia or other sleep disorders.

Other integrative therapies with strong or good scientific evidence in the management of anxiety include kava, music therapy, aromatherapy, chiropractic, spinal manipulative therapy, hypnotherapy, hypnosis, lavender, peppermint oil, psychotherapy and yoga.

For more information on relaxation or the therapies mentioned above, please visit Natural Standard's Herbs & Supplements and Health & Wellness Databases.

 

Post-Exercise Recovery Strategies

Now that winter has passed, the summer sun is finally here and the beach is calling, there is no greater time to take advantage of the outdoors and get into shape. A recent study reveals how to avoid post-exercise injuries and fatigue.

Light, active exercises with minimal resistance may be the best post-exercise recovery strategy, a new study suggests.

Researchers from the Academy of Physical Education in Poland investigated the influence of different relaxation modes: stretching (ST), active recovery (AR) and passive recovery (PR) on muscle relaxation after dynamic exercise of the quadriceps femoris, a thigh muscle.

In the study, 10 healthy male volunteers between 24 and 38 years of age performed three sets of dynamic leg exercises with 30 seconds of rest between sets. Immediately after completing the leg exercise, one of the relaxation methods was applied, in a randomized order (AR, PR, ST). Then, subjects performed isometric knee extension to the point of fatigue.

The study found that active recovery produced the most significant recovery.

The study authors concluded that the most appropriate and effective recovery mode after dynamic muscle fatigue involves light, active exercises, such as cycling with minimal resistance.

Spinning, or indoor group stationary cycling, may be a good option. It is a non-impact workout for people of all ages and fitness levels. Spinning may enhance cardiovascular fitness and improve muscle tone. Spinning works various muscle groups, including the quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, hips and abdominal muscles.

Exercising on a regular basis may decrease the risk of developing many illnesses, such as heart disease. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the failure to exercise regularly is a significant precursor to heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer. Exercising on a regular basis is one of the most inexpensive and easiest measures a person can take in order to reduce their risk and/or delay the onset of serious illnesses.

The American Heart Association recommends participating in at least thirty minutes of continuous activity for at least three times a week as a way to help keep blood pressure low and the American Cancer Association recommends exercise to keep cancer at bay.

Integrative therapies with good or unclear scientific evidence for the enhancement of exercise performance include creatine, acupressure, shiatsu, Alexander technique, astaxanthin, astragalus, bee pollen, bovine colostrum, choline, Coenzyme Q10, garcinia, ginkgo, ginseng, Hellerwork, kiwi, l-carnitine, massage, pantothenic acid, physical therapy, Qi gong, tai chi, thiamin, tribulus, vitamin D, yoga and zinc.

For more information on exercise and related activities, please visit Natural Standard's Health & Wellness database.

Self-Hypnosis for Headaches

Self-hypnosis training in children and adolescents may result in significant improvement of chronic headaches, a new study reports.

Researchers from the University of Minnesota investigated the effect of treatment with self-hypnosis for youth with recurrent headaches in a retrospective review. The review included the outpatient clinical records of 178 consecutive youth referred to the Behavioral Pediatrics Program (University of Minnesota) from 1988 to 2001 for recurrent headaches.

All patients were taught self-hypnosis for self-regulation. Intensity, frequency and duration of headaches before, during and after treatment were measured. Outcomes included number and frequency of visits, types of medication and nature of self-hypnosis practice.

The study found that compared with self-reports before learning self-hypnosis, children and youth who learned self-hypnosis for recurrent headaches reported reduction in frequency of headache from an average of 4.5 per week to 1.4 per week, reduction in intensity (on a self-rating scale of 0 to 12) from an average of 10.3 to 4.7 and reduction in average duration from 23.6 hours to 3.0 hours. No adverse effects of self-hypnosis were reported.

The study authors concluded that training in self-hypnosis is associated with significant improvement of chronic recurrent headaches in children and adolescents.

The term hypnosis is derived from the Greek word hypnos, meaning sleep. The origin of modern Western hypnotherapy is often traced to the Austrian physician Franz Anton Mesmer (1734-1815). Mesmer believed that illness is caused by an imbalance of magnetic fluids in the body that can be corrected through "animal magnetism." He asserted that the hypnotist's own personal magnetism can be transferred to a patient. The term "mesmerize" is derived from Mesmer's name.

In the mid 20th Century, the British and American Medical Associations and the American Psychological Association endorsed hypnosis as a medical procedure. In 1995, the U.S. National Institutes of Health issued a consensus statement noting the scientific evidence in favor of the use of hypnosis for chronic pain, particularly pain associated with cancer.

Several studies report improvements in severity and frequency of tension headaches following several weekly hypnosis sessions. Early research suggests that hypnosis may be equivalent to other relaxation techniques, biofeedback or autogenic training.

Other integrative therapies with good scientific evidence in the treatment of headaches include 5-HTP, butterbur, chiropractic, spinal manipulative therapy, feverfew, guided imagery and peppermint oil.

For more information on hypnosis or the other therapies mentioned above, please visit Natural Standard's Herbs & Supplements and Health & Wellness databases.

Gamma Linolenic Acid for Weight Control

Gamma linolenic acid (GLA) may help formerly obese individuals maintain their weight loss, a new study reports.

Researchers from the University of California, Davis, investigated whether GLA supplementation would suppress weight regain following major weight loss.

In the double-blind study, 50 formerly obese humans were randomized and given either 890 milligrams/day of GLA (five grams/day borage oil) or five grams/day olive oil (controls) for one year.

Borage (Borago officinalis) is an herb native to Syria that has spread throughout the Middle East and Mediterranean. Borage seeds are often pressed to produce oil very high in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), like the oil used in this study.

The study found that after one year, weight regain differed between the GLA and control groups. Unblinding revealed lower weight regains in the GLA group compared to the control group.

The study authors concluded that GLA reduced weight regain in humans following major weight loss, suggesting a role for essential fatty acids in fuel partitioning in humans prone to obesity.

GLA is a dietary omega-6 fatty acid found in many plant oil extracts. Commercial products are typically made from seed extracts from evening primrose (average oil content 7-14 percent), blackcurrant (15-20 percent), borage oil (20-27 percent) and fungal oil (25 percent). To a limited extent, GLA is found naturally in the diet in human breast milk, cold-water fish and in organ meats such as liver, but at very low concentrations (1-2 percent).

GLA is available commonly as a dietary supplement and is sold over the counter in capsules or oil to treat a variety of conditions such as eczema, oral mucoceles (mucus polyps), high cholesterol, depression, postpartum depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, psoriasis, muscle aches and menopausal flushing.

Integrative therapies with strong or good scientific evidence for weight loss/weight control include ephedra, 5-HTP, the Atkins diet, DHEA and psychotherapy. Please consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before making any health-related decisions. On February 6, 2004, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a final rule prohibiting the sale of dietary supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids (ephedra) because such supplements present an unreasonable risk of illness or injury. The rule became effective 60 days after the date of publication. Also, several studies have shown adverse effects associated with the Atkins diet.

For more information on the safety and efficacy of the therapies mentioned in this article, please visit Natural Standard's Herbs & Supplements and Health & Wellness databases.