Natural Standard Blog

Acupuncture May be Safe for Children

Acupuncture may be safe for use in children, according to a recent review in Pediatrics.

The practice of acupuncture originated in China 5,000 years ago. Today it is widely used throughout the world and is one of the main pillars of Chinese medicine.

There are many different varieties of the practice of acupuncture, both in the Orient and in the West. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) usually combines acupuncture with Chinese herbs. Classical acupuncture (also known as five element acupuncture) uses a different needling technique and relies on acupuncture independent of the use of herbs.

In a new study, researchers conducted a comprehensive literature search in 18 databases for studies involving pediatric use of acupuncture. In total, 37 reports were included in the review.

The researchers identified a total of 279 adverse events from the included studies. Twenty-five adverse events were considered severe, and included thumb deformity, infections, cardiac rupture, nerve impairment, coughing up blood, reversible coma and overnight hospitalization. However, overall, the researchers found that the majority of reported adverse events were mild, including bruising, pain, bleeding or worsening of symptoms.

The authors noted that the severe adverse events could have been the result of poor quality practices. The authors concluded that when performed properly and under the care of a qualified practitioner, acupuncture may be safe for use in children. Further research in this area is warranted.

For more information about acupuncture, please visit Natural Standard's Health & Wellness database.

Mediterranean Diet for Sleep Apnea

A Mediterranean diet combined with physical activity may benefit adults with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), according to a new study.

Sleep apnea is a serious condition that occurs when an individual stops breathing for short periods of time during sleep. There are two main types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form that occurs when the muscles in the throat relax. These muscles support the soft palate, the small piece of tissue that hangs from the soft palate (called the ulva), the tonsils, and the tongue. When these muscles relax, the patient is unable to breathe.

In a new study, after evaluating 900 OSAS patients, 40 patients with moderate to severe OSAS and a body mass index greater than or equal to 30 met the inclusion criteria. All 40 patients were instructed to increase their physical activity. Twenty of the patients were randomly assigned to follow a Mediterranean diet for one month, while the remaining 20 were assigned to follow a prudent diet for a period of six months.

The researchers found that the apnoea-hypopnoea index during rapid eye movement sleep was reduced to a statistically significant degree in both groups. The Mediterranean diet group showed a greater reduction in waist circumference (WC), WC/height ratio, and WC/hip ratio than the prudent diet group. The combination of a Mediterranean diet and physical activity showed no significant effect in other sleep parameters.

For more information about integrative therapies for sleep apnea, please visit Natural Standard's Comparative Effectiveness Database.

Nominate Natural Standard for NBJ Business Award

Winners will appear in Nutrition Business Journal's Annual Executive Review & Awards Issue in January 2012, and are invited to accept their awards at the 2012 NBJ Summit.

Nominations are accepted until Friday, November 18, 2011.

Natural Standard has made exceptional advancements in many award categories including: Efforts on Behalf of the Industry, Investment in the Future, Scientific Achievement, Education, Product Merit

In fact, per The World Health Organization (WHO), Natural Standard is: "The best and most authoritative web site available on herbal medicines."

Please click to NOMINATE. It's fast, easy and greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Natural Standard Featured CE/CME: Turmeric

Natural Standard's featured CE/CME for the month of November is Turmeric: Safety & Effectiveness.

Turmeric, a spice commonly used in Asian food, is derived from the root of the turmeric (Curcuma longa) plant. Although not well studied in humans, turmeric and its constituent curcumin have demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, nerve protective, insecticidal and anticancer properties. Preliminary human evidence suggests possible efficacy for dyspepsia (heartburn), high cholesterol and scabies.

Natural Standard offers CE/CME modules for multidisciplinary healthcare professionals. Students and other users may take courses for training purposes without generating credit certificates. Continuing Education requirements differ based on discipline, license and location. If you are unsure of your specific needs, please contact your local agency.

Yoga for Chronic Lower Back Pain

A recent study suggests that yoga may be more beneficial than standard care for patients with chronic lower back pain.

Yoga is an ancient system of exercise, healing and relaxation. Yoga has undergone much scientific study, with various psychological and physical theories suggested. In human research, yoga has been shown to reduce heart rate and blood pressure, increase breath holding time and lung capacity, improve muscle relaxation and body composition, cause weight loss and increase overall physical endurance. There is preliminary research that suggests yoga may reduce chronic back pain; however further research is necessary before firm conclusions can be made.

In a new study, researchers randomly assigned 313 adults with chronic lower back pain to a 12 class yoga program throughout 3 months or standard care. Outcome measures included Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDG) scores, pain and general health measurements after three months and again at six and 12-month follow-ups.

The researchers found that patients in the yoga group had more improved back functioning than those in the standard care group. Furthermore, RMDG scores were on average 2.17, 1.48 and 1.57 points lower for the yoga patients at months three, six and 12, respectively.

The authors noted that two patents from the standard care group and 12 from the yoga group reported increased pain and other adverse effects. Additionally, data was missing for 21 patients in the yoga group and 18 in the standard care group.

The authors concluded that yoga may be more beneficial than standard care for patients with chronic lower back pain; however, due to study limitations further research is necessary before conclusions can be made.

For more information on integrative therapies with evidence of benefit for pain back, such as chiropractic, willow bark and hydrotherapy, please visit Natural Standard's Comparative Effectiveness Database.

For more information about yoga, please visit Natural Standard's Health and Wellness Database.

Selenium May Not Reduce Lung Cancer Mortality Risk

Contrary to previous reports, a new study suggests that selenium may not decease lung cancer mortality risk.

Selenium, an essential trace mineral, is required for the functioning of the body's antioxidant enzymes and for cell growth and survival. The role of selenium in cancer prevention has been the subject of recent study and debate. Preliminary evidence suggests selenium may reduce the risk of prostate cancer; however, any role in lung or colorectal cancer is unclear.

In a new study, researchers analyzed data on 3,333 males 53-74 years-old to assess the potential relationship between selenium blood levels and death due to lung cancer. Throughout the 16-year follow-up period, 167 of the participants died as a result of lung cancer. The authors reported that of these deaths, 48, 57 and 62 males had low, medium and high selenium blood levels, respectively.

After the data was adjusted for various variables, including years of smoking and dietary factors, the researchers found that heavy smokers with high selenium blood levels actually had a significantly increased risk of lung cancer death. The authors noted that these results were contrary to their hypothesis that low selenium blood levels may be linked to an increased risk of lung cancer death.

Further research is necessary before any conclusions can be made.

For more information about integrative therapies with evidence of benefit for cancer prevention, including aloe and black tea, please visit Natural Standard's Comparative Effectiveness Database.

For more information on selenium, please visit Natural Standard's Foods, Herbs & Supplements Database.

Hypnotherapy May Improve IBS Symptoms

According to a new study, hypnotherapy may improve irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms.

Various forms of hypnosis, trance, and altered states of consciousness have been documented in a number of cultures throughout history. How hypnosis works is not completely understood. Some changes in the body have been associated with hypnosis, including changes in skin temperature, heart rate, intestinal secretions and immune response. Preliminary research suggests that hypnotherapy may lower the sensory and motor component of the gastrocolonic response in patients with IBS. However, evidence of benefit is not conclusive.

Researchers recently conducted two studies to evaluate the effects of hypnotherapy on IBS symptoms. In the first study, 90 patients were randomly assigned to receive 12, one-hour, weekly gut-directed hypnotherapy sessions in specialized private practices, or standard supportive care. In the second study, 48 patients were randomized to 12, one-hour, weekly gut-directed hypnotherapy sessions in a small county hospital or to a waitlist control group. In both studies, the severity of IBS symptoms and quality of life were evaluated before treatment, after three months and again after one year.

The researchers found that IBS symptoms significantly improved after three months in both study one and study two hypnotherapy groups when compared to the control groups. Furthermore, symptom improvements maintained through the one-year follow-up. The authors noted that patients who received hypnotherapy in private practices saw significantly greater improvements in IBS symptoms over control group than those treated in the county hospital.

The authors concluded that gut-directed hypnotherapy may be an effective treatment option for patients with IBS, particularly when conducted in a specialized private practice. Further research is necessary to confirm these findings.

For more information on integrative therapies with evidence of benefit for IBS, including peppermint and probiotics, please visit Natural Standard's Comparative Effectiveness Database.

For more information on hypnotherapy, please visit Natural Standard's Health and Wellness Database.

High Fiber Diet for Reduced Metabolic Syndrome Risk

Maintaining a high fiber diet may reduce the risk for metabolic syndrome in adolescents, according to a new study.

A high fiber diet incorporates large amounts of dietary fiber into the daily diet. Dietary fiber is found in grains, fruits and vegetables, and may also be referred to as roughage or bulk. Animal products, including meat and dairy, do not contain dietary fiber. Various health benefits have been associated with a high fiber diet; including potential benefits for glucose metabolism in patients with diabetes; however, additional research is necessary before firm conclusions can be made.

In a new study, researchers analyzed data on 2,128 12-16 year-olds from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to assess the potential association between the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and dietary fiber intake. Saturated fat and cholesterol intakes were also assessed. The authors noted that 6.4 percent of the participants qualified as having metabolic syndrome.

The researchers found that dietary fiber intake was significantly associated with a reduced risk for metabolic syndrome, noting that children with the highest fiber consumption compared to the lowest had about a 20 percent reduced risk for the condition. Saturated fat and cholesterol consumption were not found to be significantly linked to metabolic syndrome risk.

The authors concluded that maintaining a high fiber diet during adolescence may reduce the risk of developing metabolic syndrome more than limiting saturated fat or cholesterol intake. Additional research is necessary to further understand these findings.

For more information about a high fiber diet, please visit Natural Standard's Health & Wellness Database.

Natural Standard Training

Sign up for a free online training session to learn more about Natural Standard's decision-support tools.

Natural Standard provides high-quality, evidence-based information about integrative therapies to help healthcare professionals and consumers make safer, more educated decisions about health.

Natural Standard is an international multidisciplinary collaboration that includes contributors from more than 100 eminent academic institutions. Research teams systematically gather scientific data and expert opinions to develop comprehensive monographs that are designed to facilitate clinical decision making. For each therapy, the available scientific evidence of effectiveness is evaluated using the Natural Standard Evidence-Based Validated Grading Rationale™. All monographs undergo blinded peer review prior to inclusion in Natural Standard databases.

These guided tours will demonstrate how to navigate the various databases and cross reference medical conditions and therapies.

Thu, Nov 17, 2011 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM (EST)

Tue, Nov 22, 2011 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM (EST)

Tue, Nov 29, 2011 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM (EST)

Thu, Dec 1, 2011, 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM (EST)

Tue, Dec 6, 2011 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM (EST)

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM (EST)

Tue, Dec 13, 2011 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM (EST)

Thu, Dec 15, 2011 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM (EST)

After registration, attendees will receive e-mail confirmation with information on how to join the webinar.

System Requirements: PC-based attendees: Windows® 7, Vista, XP or 2003 Server. Macintosh®-based attendees: Mac OS® X 10.4.11 (Tiger®) or newer

Natural Standard in Natural Medicine Journal

The latest issue of the Natural Medicine Journal features a Natural Standard evidence-based review on Vitamin B12.

Vitamin B12 is an essential water-soluble vitamin that is commonly found in a variety of foods, including fish, shellfish, meat, eggs and dairy products. Vitamin B12 deficiency is extremely rare; however, it may result from being unable to use vitamin B12. There is currently strong scientific evidence supporting the use of Vitamin B12 for deficiency. The Natural Standard bottom-line monograph discusses the latest research on Vitamin B12, including scientific evidence of effectiveness for various conditions and potential interactions and side effects.

The Natural Medicine Journal is an open-access, peer-reviewed e-journal for integrative healthcare practitioners, as well as students and faculty who focus on the field of natural medicine. The monthly journal and website provide scientifically-valid, clinically-relevant information.

The November issue features the following articles:

Dietary Supplements and Mortality Rates in Older Women by Douglas Mackay, ND

Specific Applications of Omega 3s for Cardiovascular Disease by Tori Hudson, ND

Vitamin B12 by Natural Standard

Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT) and the Risk of Prostate Cancer by Geo Espinosa, ND, LAc

Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer Causes Long-Term Heart Toxicity by Tina Kaczor, ND, FABNO

Developments in Women's Health Interview with Tori Hudson, ND by Tina Kaczor, ND, FABNO

Recalls of Dietary Supplements Lise Alschuler, ND, FABNO

To subscribe to the complimentary journal, please visit www.naturalmedicinejournal.com.

Complimentary Webinars

Natural Standard is offering a series of complimentary webinars on integrative medicine. Natural Standard offers these impartial webinars as an informational public service. All webinars are recorded and archived at www.naturalstandard.com/webinars.

Q & A with Marc Brush: Dr. Catherine Ulbricht, Founder and CEO of Natural Standard, interviews Marc Brush, editor-in-chief of Nutrition Business Journal (NBJ). Marc helps guide the editorial direction for all NBJ publications and products. Marc has also written for many industry publications, and brings more than 10 years of professional experience in editing and business analytics to NBJ. Complimentary access is available December 1-31, 2011.

Gingivitis and Perionditis: An Integrative Approach: Christan Thomas, PharmDc, presents an overview of the signs, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of gingivitis and periodontitis. She discusses several patient cases detailing the safety and effectiveness of integrative therapies for this condition. She also reviews the scientific evidence, dosing, safety and interactions related to various therapies. Complimentary access is available December 1-31, 2011.

Fish Oil and Prostate Cancer

A recent study suggests that a low-fat diet and fish oil supplementation may decrease the progression of prostate cancer.

Fish oil contains both docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). There is supportive evidence from multiple studies that suggests the intake of recommended amounts of DHA and EPA in the form of dietary fish or fish oil supplements lowers triglycerides; reduces the risk of death, heart attack, dangerous abnormal heart rhythms, and strokes in people with known cardiovascular disease; slows the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques ("hardening of the arteries"), and lowers blood pressure slightly.

In a new study, 55 patients undergoing radical prostatectomy were randomly assigned to either a low-fat diet with 5 grams of fish oil daily or a control diet for four to six weeks prior to surgery. Blood insulin-like growth factor levels, a measurement of prostate cancer risk, were evaluated as the primary outcome measure.

The researchers reported not difference between groups in prostate cancer risk. However, the authors found that a low-fat diet and fish oil capsules resulted in decreased prostate cancer proliferation. Further research is warranted before conclusions can be made.

For more information about fish oil, please visit Natural Standard's Foods, Herbs & Supplements database.

Moderate Alcohol Intake and Breast Cancer Risk

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association suggests a potential link between moderate alcohol intake and breast cancer risk.

In breast cancer, some cells begin growing abnormally. The cells divide more rapidly than healthy cells and may spread through the breast tissue to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body (metastasize). The most common type of breast cancer begins in the milk-producing ducts, but cancer may also occur in the lobules or in other breast tissue.

According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American women.

This new research was a prospective observational study of 105,986 women who were enrolled in the Nurses' Health Study. Participants were followed from 1980 until 2008.

The researchers found that low alcohol consumption was associated with a slight increase in breast cancer risk, noting that increasing alcohol consumption throughout life was associated with increased breast cancer risk at levels as low as 3-6 drinks per week.

The authors concluded that consuming small amounts of alcohol throughout life may be linked to a small increase in breast cancer risk. However, this recent study only suggests a potential association, and does not prove a cause-and-effect relationship. Further research is necessary.

For more information about breast cancer, please visit Natural Standard's Medical Conditions database.

Q & A with Susan Domizi

Natural Standard is offering a series of upcoming complimentary webinars on integrative medicine. Natural Standard offers these impartial webinars as an informational public service. All webinars are recorded and archived at www.naturalstandard.com/webinars.

Dr. Catherine Ulbricht, Founder and CEO of Natural Standard, interviews Susan Domizi, President and Founder of Source Inc., a manufacturer of seaweed-based micronutrient supplements for animals. She was recently presented with a Lifetime Achievement award by the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) for her dedication and contributions to the animal health supplement industry. Complimentary access to the webinar is available November 1-30, 2011 (Requires Windows Media Player).

The transcript of this webinar is also available as a PDF.

Roundtable Discussion: An Integrative Approach to Diabetes

Natural Standard is offering a series of upcoming complimentary webinars on integrative medicine. Natural Standard offers these impartial webinars as an informational public service. All webinars are recorded and archived at www.naturalstandard.com/webinars.

Dr. Catherine Ulbricht, Founder and CEO of Natural Standard, leads a roundtable discussion on integrative therapies for diabetes with Manisha Chandalia, MD, of the Stark Diabetes Center in the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism of the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston; Sheri R. Colberg, PhD, FACSM, of Old Dominion University; Jacob Teitelbaum, MD, of the Chronicity/Fibromyalgia & Fatigue Centers, Inc; and Frederic J. Vagnini, MD, of the Heart, Diabetes & Weight Loss Centers of New York. Complimentary access to the webinar is available November 1-30, 2011 (Requires Windows Media Player).

The transcript of this webinar was recently published in Alternative and Complementary Therapies.