Lavender, an herb beloved for it’s pleasing fragrance, is also proving to be an effective remedy for both anxiety and depression. Taken orally, it can be as effective as low-dose benzodiazepines for attenuating anxiety.
A large cohort study from Sweden indicates that women who have twin brothers are more likely to be overweight and dyslipidemic than women who have twin sisters. Intrauterine exposure to androgens may account for this small but significant risk increase.
A Cochrane Collaboration systematic review of 32 clinical trials involving nearly 75,000 elderly women, concludes that daily supplementation with vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), significantly decrease all-cause mortality.
FlaxMilk, the latest entry into the growing market for non-dairy “milk” products, provides a convenient and delicious way for patients (and their doctors, of course!) to get the healthful benefits of milled flax seed into their diets.
There are many foods that can contribute to a breast-healthy diet. In his effort to help family members and patients dealing with breast cancer, Dr. Robert Pendergrast has reviewed them all. His conclusion? Flax seed is one of the best. It’s a cornerstone for breast cancer prevention, and should become every woman’s “BFF” (“Breast Friend Forever”).
Bone mineral density is just one part of the physiological equation that adds up to bone health. Bone flexibility, a reflection of the collagen content in a person’s bone, is equally important but usually overlooked. Vitamin K can help.
Severe joint pain is a common side-effect of tamoxifen therapy for breast cancer, and it is associated with vitamin D deficiency. Supplementation aimed at pushing serum vitamin D levels over 40 ng/ml can prevent or attenuate the pain.
Despite the Institute of Medicine’s recent report, many nutrition-minded oncologists believe high-dose vitamin D supplementation—upwards of 4,000 IU/day—has potential to markedly reduce risk of primary breast cancer as well as breast cancer recurrence, with minimal risk of toxicity.
Antidepressants are the most widely-prescribed class of drugs in the US, and primary care doctors prescribe 74% of ‘em. Drug companies give ample guidance on starting meds, but little help in ceasing treatment. Yet many people want off their meds. Psychiatrist Michael Banov offers his insight on when and how to stop antidepressant treatment.
Analysis of data from more than 38,000 families suggests that maternal use of the popular antidepressant, Wellbutrin (bupropion), during pregnancy correlates with a 3-fold greater risk of ADHD in children exposed to the drug in utero. This study should not be taken as proof that bupropion causes ADHD. But author Dr. Roberto Figueroa says doctors need to be a lot more cautious with this, and any other drug that crosses the placenta.
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