Integrative Medicine Alert – January 1, 2010
January 1, 2010
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Acupuncture and Allergies
Allergic rhinitis affects 10%-20% of the population, and it greatly affects quality of life. -
Mediterranean Diet for New Onset Type 2 Diabetes: Effective or Not?
In this randomized clinical trial, patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes assigned to a Mediterranean-style diet had better glycemic control and were less likely to need oral antihyperglycemic drug therapy than patients assigned to a low-fat diet. -
Squeezes, No Wheezes? Spinal Manipulation and Asthma
The conclusion of this systematic review, that spinal manipulation is of no benefit to patients with asthma, is acceptable when considered within its narrow framework. It is, however, irreparably hampered by the limited nature of the existing data, and an all too apparent bias. -
Pomegranate Juice May Not Affect the Carotid Artery, with Caveats
Addressing the accumulating evidence for pomegranate's effects on various cardiovascular parameters, this study explored the impact of 240 mL of pomegranate juice daily for 18 months on carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), a known risk factor for stroke and myocardial infarction. The results failed to show a difference in CIMT or antioxidant parameters (the proposed mechanism), except for subgroup analyses on people at particularly high risk for cardiovascular disease. -
Food Blues: Diet and Depression
Taking data from a large cohort being followed prospectively, the authors of this trial found that a dietary pattern disturbingly similar to our "Western-style" way of eating is significantly associated with a greater risk for self-reported depression at 5 years of follow-up when compared to an eating pattern that more closely mimics the Mediterranean- or Asian-style diet. -
From Padasana to Pain Relief: Iyengar Yoga for Chronic Low Back Pain
Iyengar yoga training and practice was shown by the authors to significantly improve functional disability, pain, and depression in adults with chronic low back pain, compared to a control group receiving standard medical care. The yoga group also demonstrated a trend to reduce pain medicine use compared to the control group. -
"Qigong Show" — MQ for Cancer Patients
Results of this randomized clinical trial strongly suggest that Medical Qigong (MQ) can help people with cancer improve their quality of life (QOL) and lessen specific cancer- or treatment-related symptoms. The authors propose that MQ works in part by attending to the emotional and psychological well-being of the patient in addition to their physical health. Lack of a placebo sham group and high dropout rates negatively influence confidence in the authors' conclusions.