Health News:

Green Tea for Glaucoma?

Preliminary research suggests that green tea could help shield your eyes from the harmful effects of glaucoma. In a study on rats, researchers determined that green tea consumption helped defend the animals' eyes from free-radical-induced damage.

A leading cause of blindness in the U.S., glaucoma develops when fluid pressure builds up in the eyes and impairs the optic nerve. Past research shows that oxidative stress (a process that occurs when free radicals overwhelm the body's ability to neutralize them) may contribute to the onset of glaucoma. Known to knock out free radials, antioxidants are abundant in green tea.

In their new study, scientists demonstrated that drinking green tea can help deliver antioxidants to eye tissues and possibly protect against oxidative stress. However, it's too soon to tell whether green tea consumption could have the same effect on human eye health.

In previously published studies, investigators have found that the herb ginkgo biloba may also benefit people with glaucoma.

Green Tea for Glaucoma? originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Tuesday, March 9th, 2010 at 06:00:00.

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Bilberry May Lower Blood Sugar Levels

Bilberry extract may help keep blood sugar in check, according to a recently published study. In tests on mice, scientists discovered that the antioxidant-rich extract helped lower the animals' blood sugar levels and increase their insulin sensitivity.

The study involved mice predisposed to develop diabetes. Among those fed a bilberry-enriched diet for five weeks, researchers observed significantly greater activation of an enzyme known to regulate insulin secretion. Called AMP-activated protein kinase (or AMPK), this enzyme has also been found to promote the breakdown of fat. In the study, AMPK appeared to help control the mice's abnormally high blood sugar levels.

A fruit closely related to blueberries, bilberry is often used in natural treatment of eye conditions (such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts). The antioxidants in bilberry are also thought to strengthen the walls of blood vessels, as well as curb inflammation.

Bilberry May Lower Blood Sugar Levels originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Monday, March 8th, 2010 at 06:00:33.

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Cranberry Juice for a Healthy Heart?

New research suggests that cranberry juice may boost heart health.

In test-tube experiments, scientists compared the cardioprotective effects of cranberry juice to those of apple, cocoa, red wine, and green tea. Their findings revealed that cranberry juice contains compounds known to prevent the constriction of blood vessels and, in turn, protect against high blood pressure.

While it's too soon to tell whether cranberry juice can promote cardiovascular health in humans, previous studies have shown that the antioxidant-rich drink may help prevent urinary tract infections and reduce risk of gum disease.

A number of other natural substances are known to shield heart health. Flaxseed may help keep cholesterol in check, for instance, while vitamin D could help curb inflammation (a key risk factor for heart disease).

Cranberry Juice for a Healthy Heart? originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010 at 06:00:40.

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Massage Therapy May Benefit Children with Autism

Thai massage may be helpful for children with autism, according to a recently published report. The study involved 60 children between the ages three and 10, all of whom were autistic.

For the study, all children received either Thai massage or sensory integration therapy for eight weeks. (An approach sometimes used in treatment of autism, sensory integration therapy aims to help regulate the patient's sensory responses. Many people with autism experience dysfunction in their sensory processing.) By the study's end, both treatment groups showed improvements in conduct problems and anxiety. In past studies, researchers have found that massage may also improve sleep, classroom concentration, and social interactions in people with autism.

In Thai massage, the therapist uses his or her hands, knees, legs, and feet to move the client into yoga-like stretches. Typically regarded as a more rigorous and energizing than other types of massage, Thai massage is often used to reduce stress, boost circulation, and improve flexibility.

Massage Therapy May Benefit Children with Autism originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010 at 06:00:15.

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Soy May Not Stop Bone Loss

Taking supplements of soy isoflavones may not help shield postmenopausal women from bone loss, according to a recent study. Soy isoflavones are estrogen-like compounds thought to offer a number of health benefits, such as the treatment of hot flashes.

For the study, researchers had 224 postmenopausal women take either soy isoflavone supplements (at a dose of 80 mg or 120 mg) or a placebo capsule each day for three years. Results showed that the supplements had no significant effect on lumbar spine, total hip, or whole-body bone mineral density. Participants taking the higher dose of soy isoflavones, however, did experience a small protective effect on their femoral neck bone mineral density.

Decreased bone mineral density is the hallmark of osteoporosis, a condition most common among postmenopausal women. Known to progress slowly and silently, osteoporosis can lead to serious complications like spine and hip fractures. Past studies show that exercising regularly and boosting your levels of calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin K may help prevent osteoporosis.

Soy May Not Stop Bone Loss originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Thursday, February 25th, 2010 at 06:00:28.

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Fish Oil May Help Stave Off Psychosis

For people at extremely high risk of psychosis, taking fish oil supplements may help cut the odds of developing psychotic disorders. That's the finding of a new study that focused on 81 individuals at "ultra-high risk" for psychosis (defined as a loss of contact with reality). All participants had mild psychotic symptoms, transient psychosis, or a family history of psychotic disorders, in addition to a decrease in functioning.

For 12 weeks, 41 of the study members took daily fish oil supplements containing 1.2 grams of omega-3 fatty acids, while the other 41 participants took a placebo. By the end of the study, two percent of those taking fish oil supplements had transitioned to a psychotic disorder, compared to 27.5 percent in the placebo group. The supplements also appeared to significantly reduce symptoms and improve functioning.

It's possible that omega-3 fatty acids could have a positive effect on chemical signaling in the brain, according to the study's authors. Although it's too soon to recommend the use of fish oil supplements to reduce psychosis risk, the authors note that intervention with at-risk individuals has "the potential to prevent full-blown psychotic disorders."

Fish Oil May Help Stave Off Psychosis originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010 at 06:00:32.

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Herb Users May Face Worse Asthma Symptoms

Asthma sufferers who take herbal remedies appear to use their inhalers less and experience worse symptoms than their non-herb-using counterparts, a new study shows.

For the study, researchers surveyed 326 adults with persistent asthma who received care at inner-city outpatient clients. The researchers asked survey respondents about their use of complementary and alternative medicine (such as teas and herbs) in treatment of their asthma over the past six months, finding that 25.4 percent of patient reported herbal remedy use.

In analyzing data on the study participants, the scientists found that use of herbal remedies was linked to decreased use of inhalers--as well as more severe asthma symptoms. Herbal remedy users were also more likely to worry about the side effects of standard asthma medication.

In order to ensure optimal management of asthma symptoms, the study's authors encourage physicians to routinely ask asthma patients about their use of complementary and alternative medicine.

Past studies have shown that remedies such as omega-3 fatty acids and bromelain --as well as alternative therapies like acupuncture--may be of some benefit to people with asthma.

Herb Users May Face Worse Asthma Symptoms originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Monday, February 22nd, 2010 at 20:20:04.

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Ginkgo May Raise Seizure Risk for Epilepsy Patients

A new study warns that taking the herbal remedy ginkgo biloba may raise the risk of seizures among people with epilepsy. The report also suggests that ginkgo may reduce the effectiveness of anti-seizure drugs.

For the study, scientists reviewed past research on ginkgo and uncovered 10 reports indicating an increased seizure risk for epilepsy patients taking the herb. According to laboratory research, ginkgotoxin (a compound found in ginkgo) may alter chemical signaling pathways in ways that could trigger seizures.

One of the most popular herbal supplements in North America, ginkgo is thought to contain compounds that help stimulate circulation by improving muscle tone in the walls of the blood vessels. Proponents claims that ginkgo can help protect against a number of health conditions (including Alzheimer's disease, depression, macular degeneration, and headache), as well as boost mental function and improve sexual dysfunction.

Ginkgo May Raise Seizure Risk for Epilepsy Patients originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Thursday, February 18th, 2010 at 06:00:57.

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Mixing Medication and Herbs May Threaten Heart Health

A number of popular herbal remedies may pose a threat to people taking heart disease medications, warns a new report. The report focuses on several commonly used herbal supplements (including St. John's wort, ginkgo biloba, and garlic), highlighting their potentially harmful interactions with cardiovascular drugs.

The report's authors caution that certain herbs can reduce the effectiveness or augment the potency of drugs used to treat heart disease, which may in turn lead to serious health problems. Ginkgo biloba and garlic, for instance, have been found to raise the risk of bleeding in people taking warfarin, while St. John's wort may contribute to the recurrence of high blood pressure or increases in cholesterol in people taking cardiac drugs.

In order to protect against dangerous herb-drug interactions, the report's authors urge supplement consumers to fully disclose their use of herbal remedies to their healthcare providers.

Mixing Medication and Herbs May Threaten Heart Health originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Tuesday, February 16th, 2010 at 06:00:10.

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Vitamin D May Defend Against Crohn's Disease

Preliminary research shows that boosting your vitamin D levels may help protect against Crohn's disease, an inflammatory bowel disorder marked by pain and digestive problems.

In a new lab study, scientists discovered that vitamin D may have a beneficial effect on genes involved in fighting off intestinal bacteria. When the immune system can't properly handle those bacteria, the study's authors explain, it sets off an inflammatory response that may lead to the onset of Crohn's disease.

Past studies show that vitamin D may also help protect against rheumatoid arthritis, keep blood pressure in check, and aid in the prevention of heart disease and cancer. In order to maintain optimal levels of vitamin D, many health experts recommend taking a daily supplement.

Vitamin D May Defend Against Crohn's Disease originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Monday, February 15th, 2010 at 06:00:48.

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